Union County, Iowa tornadoes

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42confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1962). Most recent: April 17, 2025, EF1. 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 Union County

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The record

At a glance

Total421950 to 2025
Per year0.6average since 1950
Peak monthApril13 of 42
StrongestF4May 24, 1989
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries9whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

130 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 6Apr: 13May: 7Jun: 10Jul: 2Aug: 0Sep: 2Oct: 1Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 13 of 42 tornadoes.

By time of day

100 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 1: 012 PM: 0: 1: 63 PM: 0: 5: 86 PM: 10: 2: 69 PM: 2: 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

70 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 11980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 3: 0: 1: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 12000: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 1: 5: 02010: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 02020: 0: 0: 1: 0: 7: 119501960197019801990200020102020

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
12
EF2
7
EF3
2
EF4
3

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

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 42 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 17, 2025EF14.27 mi50 yd00
May 21, 2024EF03.97 mi75 yd00
May 21, 2024EF112.66 mi200 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF26.65 mi130 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF19.43 mi150 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF213.86 mi150 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF12.85 mi80 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF29.71 mi350 yd00
Mar 5, 2022EF02.84 mi100 yd00
Oct 9, 2018EF12.3 mi250 yd00
Apr 27, 2016EF04.01 mi250 yd00
Nov 11, 2015EF121.8 mi450 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF216.59 mi800 yd02
Mar 22, 2011EF01.98 mi100 yd00
Jun 5, 2008EF13.04 mi150 yd00
Jun 4, 2008EF110.92 mi100 yd00
Jun 4, 2008EF13.87 mi150 yd00
Jun 4, 2008EF01.08 mi75 yd00
Jun 4, 2008EF00.89 mi50 yd00
May 6, 2007EF04.2 mi50 yd00
Mar 30, 2006F00.1 mi25 yd00
Mar 30, 2006F00.2 mi30 yd00
Sep 11, 2003F03.5 mi50 yd00
Apr 11, 2001F376.5 mi500 yd00
Apr 8, 1999F456 mi1,250 yd01
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.