Sioux County, Iowa tornadoes

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50confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1958). Most recent: May 31, 2024, 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 Sioux County

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The record

At a glance

Total501950 to 2025
Per year0.7average since 1950
Peak monthMay15 of 50
StrongestF3Sep 22, 1968
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries1whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

150 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 1Apr: 5May: 15Jun: 11Jul: 5Aug: 5Sep: 4Oct: 3Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 15 of 50 tornadoes.

By time of day

90 12 AM: 1: 0: 03 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 1: 2: 012 PM: 0: 8: 33 PM: 5: 9: 96 PM: 1: 2: 49 PM: 3: 0: 112 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

40 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 3: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 11980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01990: 1: 0: 2: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 3: 02000: 1: 3: 0: 0: 1: 3: 0: 1: 2: 02010: 1: 1: 2: 0: 2: 4: 1: 2: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 2: 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.

By rating

EF0
30
EF1
10
EF2
6
EF3
2
Unknown
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

Strongest

F3, September 22, 1968

4.7 mile path Longest path

37 miles, F1

April 5, 1958, whole path Widest

400 yards, EF2

May 1, 2008
Every tornado

All 50 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 31, 2024EF00.72 mi25 yd00
Apr 16, 2024EF00.25 mi25 yd00
Apr 16, 2024EF00.89 mi25 yd00
Apr 16, 2024EFU0.01 mi10 yd00
Aug 5, 2023EFU0.05 mi10 yd00
Aug 5, 2023EF00.92 mi30 yd00
May 17, 2017EF00.02 mi10 yd00
May 17, 2017EF00.02 mi10 yd00
May 23, 2016EF00.05 mi25 yd00
Oct 23, 2015EF00.23 mi50 yd00
Oct 23, 2015EF00.15 mi50 yd00
Oct 23, 2015EF00.23 mi50 yd00
May 10, 2015EF00.85 mi50 yd00
May 11, 2014EF00.86 mi50 yd00
May 11, 2014EF13.91 mi100 yd00
May 4, 2012EF00.5 mi50 yd00
May 4, 2012EF00.5 mi50 yd00
May 11, 2011EF00.51 mi50 yd00
Jun 25, 2010EF00.2 mi50 yd00
May 1, 2008EF212.95 mi400 yd00
May 1, 2008EF00.1 mi50 yd00
Sep 30, 2007EF00.1 mi50 yd00
Nov 12, 2005F11 mi100 yd00
Jun 4, 2005F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 4, 2005F00.1 mi50 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.