10 Iowa Counties Most Likely to See Tornadoes This Year

Tornadoes, those awe-inspiring yet terrifying natural phenomena, are a significant concern for many Iowans. I grew up watching them travel the fields behind our farmhouse in Jones County, so I've seen a few in my day. While Iowa might not immediately come to mind when you think of tornado hotspots, the state has its fair share of twister tales to tell. Let's delve into the data and explore what makes tornadoes a recurring theme in Iowa's weather scene and where you'll most likely see them this year.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Iowa has witnessed numerous tornado touchdowns since the turn of the millennium. Among the counties that have seen the most recent tornado activity are Polk, Johnson, and Linn. These counties, although not traditionally part of Tornado Alley, have experienced their share of swirling winds and funnel clouds over the last few years.

Tornadoes typically peak in Iowa during the spring and early summer months, aligning with the broader trend across the Midwest and the Great Plains. However, tornado season in Iowa isn't limited to just these months. As seen in recent years, tornadoes can strike during late fall and even into the winter months, adding a layer of unpredictability to Iowa's weather patterns.

Researchers have noted a shift in tornado activity, not just in Iowa but across the United States. While Tornado Alley in the Great Plains has long been synonymous with tornadoes, Dixie Alley in the Southeast is gaining prominence. This shift raises questions about the factors driving tornado activity and the implications for states that are now being consumed by the growing and shifting tornado trends.

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So, Where in Iowa are you most likely to see a tornado?

First off, let's get our local honorable mentions out of the way as we look at afflicted counties, starting in the year 2000 up to their most recent counts (big shout to Stacker.com for all the info). Coming in at #33 on the list of counties was Delaware with 18 tornadoes since 2000 averaging 3.12 tornadoes per 100 square miles. At #15 Linn County has seen its fair share of 28 tornadoes, for an average of 3.91 per 100 square miles. Coming in at #14 in the state is my home county of Jones with 23 tornadoes, for an average of 4 per 100 square miles. So, what about the top 10 Iowa Counties?

#10. Dallas County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 26 (4.42 per 100 square miles). Ranked #168 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#9. Howard County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 21 (4.44 per 100 square miles) Ranked #166 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#8. Boone County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 26 (4.55 per 100 square miles) Ranked #150 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#7. Grundy County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 23 (4.58 per 100 square miles) Ranked #142 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#6. Scott County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 21 (4.58 per 100 square miles) Ranked #140 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#5. Hardin County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 30 (5.27 per 100 square miles) Ranked #89 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#4. Marion County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 30 (5.41 per 100 square miles) Ranked #79 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#3. Hamilton County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 32 (5.55 per 100 square miles) Ranked #77 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#2. Buchanan County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 32 (5.60 per 100 square miles) Ranked #70 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

#1. Webster County:

Tornadoes since 2000: 41 (5.73 per 100 square miles) Ranked #64 nationally for tornado-stricken counties.

As always, preparedness is paramount when it comes to tornado safety. Residents of Iowa should have multiple ways to receive storm updates, including social media, radio, television, and local sirens. When a tornado watch escalates to a warning, immediate action is necessary. Seeking shelter in a basement or interior room without windows can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death during a tornado.

So, while tornadoes may not be as synonymous with Iowa as they are with states like Kansas or Oklahoma, they remain a significant weather hazard here. By understanding tornado trends, risks, and the importance of preparedness, Iowans can better protect themselves and their communities from the wrath of these powerful storms. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe this year Iowa.