Howard County, Iowa tornadoes

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41confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: April 12, 2022, EF0. 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Howard County

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The record

At a glance

Total411950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthMay10 of 41
StrongestF4May 10, 1953
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries46whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

100 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 1Apr: 3May: 10Jun: 6Jul: 7Aug: 7Sep: 3Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 4JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 10 of 41 tornadoes.

By time of day

80 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 1: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 4: 3: 13 PM: 0: 7: 46 PM: 1: 8: 59 PM: 3: 4: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 7:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

50 1950: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11960: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 1: 1: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 1: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 1: 1: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 5: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 1: 0: 32020: 0: 5: 2: 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: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
21
EF1
9
EF2
6
EF3
2
EF4
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

Deadliest

F4, May 10, 1953

2 deaths, 24 injuries Strongest

F4, May 10, 1953

162 mile path Longest path

162 miles, F4

May 10, 1953, whole path Widest

1,320 yards, F4

July 12, 1971
Every tornado

All 41 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 12, 2022EF04.5 mi125 yd00
Apr 12, 2022EF19.09 mi325 yd00
Dec 15, 2021EF04.6 mi90 yd00
Dec 15, 2021EF04.44 mi45 yd00
Dec 15, 2021EF05.91 mi45 yd00
Dec 15, 2021EF04.96 mi50 yd00
May 15, 2021EF00.3 mi15 yd00
May 27, 2019EF06.19 mi30 yd00
May 27, 2019EF112.62 mi95 yd00
May 27, 2019EF04.07 mi25 yd00
Jul 19, 2017EF00.72 mi20 yd00
Sep 6, 2016EF00.02 mi25 yd00
Aug 31, 2014EF02.61 mi60 yd00
Aug 31, 2014EF03.89 mi80 yd00
May 22, 2011EF228.68 mi250 yd03
Aug 19, 2009EF00.1 mi20 yd00
Jul 5, 2004F00.2 mi20 yd00
Jun 16, 2004F00.2 mi20 yd00
Jun 16, 2004F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F312 mi150 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F04 mi40 yd00
Jun 27, 1998F00.3 mi30 yd00
Jul 20, 1997F03 mi70 yd00
Aug 19, 1996F00.5 mi50 yd00
Jul 19, 1994F10.7 mi33 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Apr 17, 20261 NNW SaratogaNot 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.