OTTAWA — Several places in the area has seen heavy destruction from windstorms over the last couple of months. State climatologist Mary Knapp said the damage was caused by microbursts, violent downdrafts packing winds of up to 100 miles an hour and concentrated in small areas. They’re common in strong thunderstorms but can be spawned by other weather conditions in weaker storms, she said. A microburst destroyed much of Ottawa Municipal Airport and a motel in southern Ottawa; and power lines, trees and structures in Anderson County last summer. A new terminal and hangar is being rebuilt at the airport.
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2 p.m.
