Mahaska County, Iowa tornadoes

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27confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: July 19, 2018, EF0. 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 Mahaska County

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The record

At a glance

Total271950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthMay7 of 27
StrongestEF3Jul 19, 2018
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries29whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

May is the peak month, with 7 of 27 tornadoes.

By time of day

80 12 AM: 1: 0: 03 AM: 1: 1: 16 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 2: 13 PM: 5: 8: 16 PM: 0: 0: 59 PM: 0: 1: 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

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

By rating

EF0
7
EF1
13
EF2
6
EF3
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

Strongest

EF3, July 19, 2018

9.17 mile path Longest path

24.64 miles, EF1

November 11, 2015, whole path Widest

1,250 yards, EF2

September 30, 2007
Every tornado

All 27 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jul 19, 2018EF01.24 mi60 yd00
Jul 19, 2018EF01.16 mi60 yd00
Jul 19, 2018EF39.17 mi800 yd013
Nov 28, 2016EF04.54 mi40 yd00
Nov 11, 2015EF26.6 mi150 yd00
Nov 11, 2015EF124.64 mi130 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF11.27 mi90 yd00
Jun 20, 2011EF10.35 mi75 yd00
May 30, 2008EF219.18 mi900 yd010
Apr 10, 2008EF12.97 mi50 yd00
Oct 2, 2007EF00.52 mi20 yd00
Oct 2, 2007EF03.2 mi25 yd00
Sep 30, 2007EF221.86 mi1,250 yd00
May 10, 2003F118.5 mi50 yd00
Jun 14, 2001F10.1 mi100 yd00
Jul 2, 1992F00.1 mi13 yd00
May 8, 1988F16 mi40 yd00
May 11, 1985F12 mi50 yd04
Aug 19, 1979F10.2 mi60 yd00
Sep 16, 1978F10.5 mi100 yd00
Sep 16, 1978F11 mi100 yd01
Jun 17, 1978F10.1 mi10 yd00
May 18, 1971F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 12, 1970F10.3 mi10 yd00
May 25, 1965F22 mi300 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.