Linn/Jackson F2 Tornadoes

May 26, 1965

In the early morning hours on May 26, tornadoes struck Linn and Jackson Counties in Iowa. The Linn County tornado traveled on a northeast course from Marengo, IA to Monticello, IA and lasted approximately 15 minutes. The tornado hit Cedar Rapids, IA just before 4 a.m. causing damage to buildings, including the drive-in theater. Streets were blocked by downed power lines. There were several people that suffered minor injuries as the storm passed through Marion, IA.

The new Goodyear store, located in Marion, which had just opened its doors a month earlier, was extensively damaged when the roof was taken off and several windows were broken. Several farms just north of the Cedar Rapids area were also damaged including a barn, chicken house, and machine shed that were destroyed.

Later in the day, it was reported that 14 people were injured and more than 600 trees were down. At least 10,000 telephones were out of service from the storm, with most being back in service a few days after the storm.

National Climate Data Center May 26, 1965 event record for Linn County

Another tornado touched down just to the northeast of Maquoketa, IA. There was approximately 250,000 dollars of damages that occured with one reported injury due to this storm.

National Climate Data Center May 26, 1965 event record for Jackson County
Pictures from Cedar Rapids Public Library Digital Newspaper Archive (Cedar Rapids Gazette May 26, 1965)