State history

Tornadoes in Iowa

Iowa averages 51 tornadoes per year. Here is the complete history.

The stats

Average: 51 tornadoes/year.
Peak season: May-June.
Population and vulnerability considerations.
Regional patterns.
Community awareness.
Skywarn active.

Notable events

1968 Charles City F5 — 13 dead.
1975 Oelwein F5 — 3 dead.
2008 Parkersburg EF5 — 9 dead.
2013 May outbreak — multiple events.
2020 August derecho — massive damage but not tornadoes.
2024 May 21 outbreak — multiple significant events.
2024 outbreaks — active year.

Major cities

Des Moines metro

700k. Multiple events.

Cedar Rapids

135k. Multiple events.

Davenport

Quad Cities.

Sioux City

Western IA.

Iowa City

Eastern IA.

Waterloo

Central IA.

Council Bluffs

Omaha metro.

NWS coverage

NWS Des Moines

Central IA.

NWS Davenport

Eastern IA.

NWS Sioux Falls SD

NW IA.

NWS Omaha NE

SW IA.

NWS La Crosse WI

NE IA.

Chase community

Regional chasers active.
Multi-state coordination.
Documentation of events.
Public safety focus.
Community involvement.
Skywarn integration.

Preparedness

Weather radio.
WEA enabled.
Family communication plan.
Community shelter awareness.
Storm shelter installation.
Insurance current.
Regular drills.
Emergency contact list.

Vulnerabilities

Population distribution.
Building code enforcement.
Mobile home density in specific areas.
Community shelter access.
Rural coverage gaps.
Historical vulnerabilities.

For residents

Preparedness essential.
Local NWS office familiarity.
Community engagement.
Multi-hazard awareness.
Family plan.
Insurance verification.
Ongoing education.