Tornadoes in Des Moines: History, Risk & Safety
Central Iowa is one of the most tornado-active parts of the country, and the Des Moines metro has been repeatedly brushed by strong tornadoes, including the destructive central-Iowa outbreak of July 2018. Here is the area's tornado history, risk, and safety picture.
At a glance
| Region | Central Iowa |
|---|---|
| Peak season | April through July |
| Notable event | 19 July 2018 central-Iowa EF3 outbreak |
| Overall risk | High |
The tornado risk in Des Moines
Des Moines sits in central Iowa, well inside the northern reach of Tornado Alley. The state records a high number of tornadoes each year as warm, humid summer air and passing weather systems fuel supercells across the open farmland. The metro's flat surroundings offer tornadoes little resistance, and Iowa's season stretches from spring well into summer.
Notable tornadoes in Des Moines history
19 July 2018 — the central-Iowa outbreak
A mid-summer outbreak produced multiple strong tornadoes across central Iowa, including EF3s that struck Bondurant just northeast of Des Moines and the city of Marshalltown, along with Pella. Dozens of people were injured and hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed. It was a dramatic reminder that Iowa's tornado threat peaks in summer as well as spring.
A tornado-rich climatology
Iowa consistently ranks among the leading states for tornadoes per unit area. While most are weak, the Des Moines metro's long record includes numerous strong tornadoes across the surrounding counties.
How tornado warnings reach Des Moines
Warnings for the Des Moines area are issued by the local National Weather Service forecast office and pushed through Wireless Emergency Alerts to mobile phones, NOAA Weather Radio, local TV and radio, and outdoor sirens where they exist. A tornado watch means conditions are favourable across a broad region; a tornado warning means one is imminent or occurring nearby and you should shelter immediately. Learn the difference on our watch versus warning guide.
Staying safe in Des Moines
Know your safe place before the season starts: a basement or storm shelter is best, otherwise a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdier building nearby, because manufactured homes offer little protection. Keep a NOAA Weather Radio or phone alerts on during severe-weather setups, and never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle in congested areas. See the full tornado safety guide.
Des Moines in the bigger picture
Central Iowa's summer tornado peak sets it apart from the spring-focused southern Plains. See the wider Iowa tornado history and check the local threat with our tornado risk calculator.
Sources & further reading
- National Weather Service Des Moines, Iowa — 19 July 2018 damage surveys
- NOAA Storm Prediction Center storm data
- NWS EF-scale rating records
Historical details are drawn from public National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center, and NOAA records. Figures such as fatalities and ratings reflect widely published accounts and may be revised as records are re-analysed.