Weak Storm Cell Brings Rain, Strong Winds

This rather weak storm cell (top image) approached from the WNW as seen from the grounds at Noelridge Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa around 4:45 PM, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Rising no more than 30,000 feet, the cell soon brought brief rain (note the rain shafts) and some 45 mph wind gusts. The gusts were created from precipitation evaporating in the dry air below the showers. The system moved out of the area and within an hour or so skies were again clear. Only a couple rumbles of thunder were audible from the cloud. The bottom image is a radar capture of the cell.