Buchanan County, Iowa tornadoes

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49confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1950). Most recent: April 16, 2024, EF1. 2026 so far: 2 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Buchanan County

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The record

At a glance

Total491950 to 2025
Per year0.6average since 1950
Peak monthMay13 of 49
StrongestF3Apr 16, 1960
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries39whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Buchanan County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

130 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 3Apr: 6May: 13Jun: 13Jul: 9Aug: 3Sep: 2Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 13 of 49 tornadoes.

By time of day

110 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 0: 0: 212 PM: 0: 1: 113 PM: 5: 7: 86 PM: 2: 8: 49 PM: 0: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 2:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

110 1950: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 11990: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 02000: 4: 11: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 2: 12010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 12020: 1: 2: 2: 2: 1: 019501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
16
EF1
17
EF2
6
EF3
5
Unknown
5

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F3, April 16, 1960

1 deaths, 5 injuries Strongest

F3, April 16, 1960

29.8 mile path Longest path

31.99 miles, EF3

May 25, 2008, whole path Widest

1,232 yards, EF3

May 25, 2008
Every tornado

All 49 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 16, 2024EF110.01 mi125 yd00
Mar 31, 2023EFU1.66 mi10 yd00
Mar 31, 2023EF24.87 mi50 yd00
Jul 5, 2022EFU0.68 mi20 yd00
Jul 5, 2022EFU1.37 mi20 yd00
Jul 14, 2021EFU0.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 14, 2021EF03.18 mi30 yd00
Mar 28, 2020EF17.38 mi50 yd00
Jun 9, 2019EFU7.26 mi10 yd00
Jun 9, 2018EF10.1 mi20 yd00
Jul 23, 2016EF10.05 mi25 yd00
Jun 16, 2014EF11.31 mi50 yd00
Aug 19, 2009EF12.2 mi100 yd00
May 25, 2008EF13.45 mi100 yd00
May 25, 2008EF331.99 mi1,232 yd03
Aug 11, 2005F03.4 mi20 yd00
May 30, 2004F00.3 mi40 yd00
May 30, 2004F00.2 mi30 yd00
Sep 6, 2001F03.5 mi40 yd00
Sep 6, 2001F21 mi50 yd00
Jun 1, 2001F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 1, 2001F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 1, 2001F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 1, 2001F03 mi150 yd00
Jun 1, 2001F00.1 mi10 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Aug 7, 20262 SE FairbankNot yet rated
Apr 14, 20263 WSW MasonvilleNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 13, 2026.