Clay County, Iowa tornadoes

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38confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1954). Most recent: June 19, 2014, EF0. 2026 so far: 4 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 Clay County

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The record

At a glance

Total381950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthJune17 of 38
StrongestF3Oct 1, 1971
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries0whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

170 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 1Apr: 4May: 7Jun: 17Jul: 3Aug: 2Sep: 2Oct: 2Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

June is the peak month, with 17 of 38 tornadoes.

By time of day

80 12 AM: 2: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 2: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 2: 4: 83 PM: 3: 4: 46 PM: 5: 1: 19 PM: 1: 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

100 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 1: 0: 21960: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 1: 2: 0: 0: 01990: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 10: 0: 2: 0: 3: 12010: 0: 0: 3: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 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: 4 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
16
EF1
13
EF2
6
EF3
3

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

Strongest

F3, October 1, 1971

11.2 mile path Longest path

13.08 miles, EF2

June 11, 2008, whole path Widest

400 yards, F3

June 11, 2004
Every tornado

All 38 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jun 19, 2014EF00.15 mi50 yd00
Jun 18, 2014EF00.2 mi50 yd00
Oct 4, 2013EF00.71 mi100 yd00
May 1, 2012EF02.61 mi50 yd00
Apr 21, 2012EF00.51 mi50 yd00
Apr 21, 2012EF01.66 mi25 yd00
May 8, 2009EF00.25 mi50 yd00
Jun 11, 2008EF00.43 mi50 yd00
Jun 11, 2008EF00.43 mi50 yd00
Jun 11, 2008EF213.08 mi100 yd00
Jul 26, 2006F00.5 mi50 yd00
Jul 26, 2006F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F11.5 mi100 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F12 mi100 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F25.5 mi200 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F00.1 mi100 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F11 mi100 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F11.8 mi100 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F36.1 mi400 yd00
May 21, 2004F11 mi200 yd00
Aug 24, 1990F00.2 mi20 yd00
Sep 28, 1986F10.1 mi13 yd00
Jul 28, 1986F11 mi40 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jul 4, 20263 SE GreenvilleNot yet rated
Jul 4, 20262 ESE EverlyNot yet rated
May 17, 20265 WSW RoyalNot yet rated
Apr 13, 20262 NNE WebbNot 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.