Iowa County, Iowa tornadoes

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35confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: March 31, 2023, EF4. 2026 so far: 0 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 Iowa County

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The record

At a glance

Total351950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthMay12 of 35
StrongestF4Aug 12, 1974
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries11whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

120 Jan: 1Feb: 0Mar: 2Apr: 8May: 12Jun: 4Jul: 2Aug: 3Sep: 0Oct: 1Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 12 of 35 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 1: 1: 03 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 1: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 212 PM: 1: 4: 33 PM: 3: 2: 46 PM: 5: 2: 29 PM: 2: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 6:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 1: 1: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 11980: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 2: 01990: 0: 3: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 2: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02010: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 22020: 0: 0: 0: 2: 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.

By rating

EF0
9
EF1
19
EF2
5
EF4
2

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

EF1, April 27, 2014

2 deaths, 0 injuries Strongest

F4, August 12, 1974

2 mile path Longest path

65.8 miles, F2

April 30, 1954, whole path Widest

1,600 yards, EF1

April 27, 2014
Every tornado

All 35 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 31, 2023EF419.9 mi700 yd03
Jan 16, 2023EF14.7 mi400 yd00
May 29, 2019EF03.34 mi20 yd00
May 29, 2019EF00.07 mi20 yd00
Jul 11, 2017EF14.58 mi60 yd00
Nov 11, 2015EF124.64 mi130 yd00
Apr 27, 2014EF145.68 mi1,600 yd20
May 22, 2011EF01.96 mi25 yd00
May 22, 2011EF23.88 mi75 yd00
May 25, 2008EF16.23 mi440 yd00
May 30, 2004F10.2 mi50 yd00
Apr 11, 2001F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 18, 2000F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 18, 2000F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 2, 1993F14.5 mi30 yd00
Apr 27, 1991F12 mi40 yd00
Apr 27, 1991F24.5 mi50 yd00
Mar 22, 1991F00.1 mi20 yd00
Nov 15, 1988F119 mi50 yd00
May 8, 1988F259 mi60 yd00
Jun 10, 1986F10.2 mi23 yd00
Jun 10, 1986F10.2 mi23 yd00
Jun 17, 1984F12 mi40 yd00
Oct 6, 1982F00.3 mi30 yd00
Apr 3, 1981F12.7 mi80 yd00
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.