CHAPTER VIII
ON the 17th of June, 1882, the Weather Service observations showed that Iowa was in an area of low barometric pressure which extended from Dakota to the Mississippi River. An immense storm cloud began to form in the northwest which was observed in Cherokee, Carroll, Buena Vista and Calhoun counties over which it was gathering and increasing in size before it assumed tornado formations. As the thunder storm swept on into Greene County a terrific wind arose accompanied by a heavy fall of rain. As it passed over Rippey, swiftly flying clouds from the northwest met others driven by a strong gale from the south. Then began the whirling motion of the clouds. The storm increased in fury and blackness as the stronger southern current of wind swept it in a northeasterly direction and the deadly funnel began to form, hanging down toward the earth. It first touched the earth in the southwest corner of Boone County, destroying houses, barns and live stock and killing a boy. It then raised and for nine miles no damage was done. After crossing the Des Moines River the funnel again descended to the earth carrying death and destruction in its path. It was about six o’clock in the evening when the tornado passed into Story County and several funnel shaped clouds were observed to be lowering and rising as the storm swept on in an easterly direction. A continuous heavy roar was heard and the electrical display was continuous and fearful. People sought safety in cellars and caves at the approach of the storm. Buildings were suddenly reduced to fragments; orchards and groves were destroyed; crops and fences ruined, while domestic animals were mangled and killed. Hundreds of persons lost all of their possessions except the
