Clayton County, Iowa tornadoes

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17confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: March 31, 2023, EF1. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report 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.

The record

At a glance

Total171950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthMay6 of 17
StrongestF4Apr 30, 1954
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries30whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 2Apr: 1May: 6Jun: 4Jul: 1Aug: 1Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 6 of 17 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 1: 0: 012 PM: 0: 0: 03 PM: 0: 6: 36 PM: 1: 3: 19 PM: 2: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 4:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 21990: 1: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 12020: 0: 0: 0: 1: 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: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
7
EF1
5
EF2
2
EF3
2
EF4
1

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, May 30, 1985

2 deaths, 27 injuries Strongest

F4, April 30, 1954

80.4 mile path Longest path

80.4 miles, F4

April 30, 1954, whole path Widest

1,500 yards, F3

May 30, 1985
Every tornado

All 17 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 31, 2023EF111.1 mi90 yd00
Sep 12, 2019EF04.22 mi40 yd00
Jul 19, 2017EF15.78 mi400 yd02
May 29, 2013EF06.38 mi10 yd00
Mar 31, 2007EF111.85 mi200 yd00
May 10, 2001F01 mi75 yd00
May 25, 1994F16.5 mi40 yd00
Jun 19, 1992F11 mi23 yd00
Jun 19, 1992F00.2 mi23 yd00
Jun 13, 1990F28 mi67 yd00
Jun 26, 1989F00.2 mi20 yd01
May 24, 1989F00.3 mi23 yd00
Nov 15, 1988F00.2 mi20 yd00
May 30, 1985F334 mi1,500 yd227
Aug 25, 1965F24.7 mi100 yd00
Apr 30, 1954F480.4 mi200 yd00
May 10, 1953F36.6 mi400 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Apr 17, 20263 SE PostvilleNot 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 12, 2026.