Ringgold County, Iowa tornadoes

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29confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: April 26, 2024, EF2. 2026 so far: 2 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 Ringgold County

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The record

At a glance

Total291950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthApril9 of 29
StrongestF4May 24, 1989
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries3whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

90 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 9May: 8Jun: 4Jul: 3Aug: 0Sep: 0Oct: 2Nov: 3Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 9 of 29 tornadoes.

By time of day

90 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 1: 0: 09 AM: 0: 1: 012 PM: 0: 1: 33 PM: 2: 3: 56 PM: 9: 3: 09 PM: 1: 0: 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

40 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 12010: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 3: 0: 0: 2: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 0: 4: 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: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
7
EF1
12
EF2
7
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

F2, June 7, 1984

1 deaths, 3 injuries Strongest

F4, May 24, 1989

49 mile path Longest path

76.5 miles, F3

April 11, 2001, whole path Widest

1,760 yards, F4

May 24, 1989
Every tornado

All 29 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 26, 2024EF210.2 mi100 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF19.07 mi250 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF111.68 mi300 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF18.47 mi300 yd00
Oct 9, 2018EF03.13 mi40 yd00
Jun 25, 2018EF00.73 mi40 yd00
Nov 11, 2015EF111.17 mi200 yd00
Nov 11, 2015EF112.18 mi280 yd00
Nov 11, 2015EF121.8 mi450 yd00
May 26, 2013EF00.12 mi30 yd00
Jun 1, 2010EF21.51 mi250 yd00
Apr 26, 2009EF01.33 mi30 yd00
Jun 4, 2005F11 mi50 yd00
May 24, 2004F00.2 mi30 yd00
Apr 11, 2001F376.5 mi500 yd00
May 27, 1996F00.1 mi25 yd00
May 27, 1995F15.5 mi40 yd00
Jul 24, 1992F00.1 mi13 yd00
Jul 25, 1990F24 mi73 yd00
May 24, 1989F449 mi1,760 yd00
Jun 7, 1984F214 mi150 yd13
May 23, 1981F215.9 mi130 yd00
Apr 19, 1973F12.7 mi300 yd00
Jul 14, 1972F11 mi100 yd00
May 5, 1971F21 mi200 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
May 18, 20265 N Mount AyrNot yet rated
May 18, 2026BentonNot 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.