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.

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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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.

Credit: NOAA Storm Database
Credit: NOAA Storm Database
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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.

Credit: NOAA Preliminary reports for tornadoes so far in 2024 across the United States. 260 tornadoes to date, with 24 being EF2 or higher.
Credit: NOAA
Preliminary reports for tornadoes so far in 2024 across the United States. 260 tornadoes to date, with 24 being EF2 or higher.
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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?

Credit: NOAA Storm Database Iowa reports 73 tornadoes last year (2023) across the state.
Credit: NOAA Storm Database
Iowa reports 73 tornadoes last year (2023) across the state.
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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:

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

#9. Howard County:

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

#8. Boone County:

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

#7. Grundy County:

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

#6. Scott County:

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

#5. Hardin County:

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

#4. Marion County:

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

#3. Hamilton County:

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

#2. Buchanan County:

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

#1. Webster County:

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

Tornadoes Rip Through Northeast Iowa
Credit: Steve Pope / Getty Images
Homes lie destroyed by a tornado May 26th, 2008 in Parkersburg, Iowa.
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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.

Tornadoes Rip Through Northeast Iowa
Credit: Steve Pope / Getty Images
A large swath of homes was destroyed after a tornado May 26th, 2008 in Parkersburg, Iowa.
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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.

KEEP READING: What to do after a tornado strikes

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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