Tama County, Iowa tornadoes

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47confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: March 5, 2022, EF2. 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 Tama County

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The record

At a glance

Total471950 to 2025
Per year0.6average since 1950
Peak monthJune15 of 47
StrongestF3Apr 23, 1961
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries16whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

150 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 3Apr: 5May: 10Jun: 15Jul: 5Aug: 3Sep: 3Oct: 1Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

June is the peak month, with 15 of 47 tornadoes.

By time of day

120 12 AM: 1: 1: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 1: 112 PM: 0: 3: 13 PM: 4: 6: 36 PM: 12: 7: 29 PM: 2: 2: 112 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

50 1950: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 11960: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 2: 0: 51980: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 02000: 1: 4: 1: 1: 1: 1: 2: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02020: 1: 1: 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.

By rating

EF0
18
EF1
13
EF2
10
EF3
5
Unknown
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

F3, April 23, 1961

1 deaths, 12 injuries Strongest

F3, April 23, 1961

87.7 mile path Longest path

87.7 miles, F3

April 23, 1961, whole path Widest

875 yards, F2

May 10, 2001
Every tornado

All 47 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 5, 2022EF28.54 mi200 yd00
Mar 5, 2022EF217.31 mi500 yd00
Jul 14, 2021EF15.65 mi590 yd00
Aug 10, 2020EFU1.48 mi40 yd00
Oct 9, 2018EF02.28 mi30 yd00
Jul 6, 2014EF19.68 mi225 yd00
Jul 6, 2014EF01.47 mi20 yd00
Jun 30, 2014EF23.7 mi150 yd00
Jun 21, 2011EF00.8 mi30 yd00
Jul 17, 2006F00.2 mi30 yd00
Apr 13, 2006F00.1 mi30 yd00
Aug 19, 2005F00.2 mi30 yd00
May 22, 2004F00.3 mi30 yd00
May 10, 2003F00.1 mi25 yd00
Jun 26, 2002F0n/a20 yd00
May 10, 2001F00.2 mi25 yd00
May 10, 2001F00.2 mi25 yd00
May 10, 2001F28 mi875 yd00
Apr 8, 2001F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jun 13, 2000F00.2 mi20 yd00
Aug 8, 1998F00.1 mi30 yd00
Jun 27, 1998F00.1 mi30 yd00
Sep 12, 1991F00.2 mi13 yd00
Jun 10, 1991F00.2 mi13 yd00
Sep 1, 1989F00.2 mi20 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.