Iowa heading into key time of year for tornado activity

DES MOINES — Severe Weather Awareness Week continues in Iowa today, and as the calendar is about to turn from March to April, it typically means it’s the state’s busiest months of the year coming up for tornado activity.

In 2024, Iowa saw a total of 125 confirmed tornado reports, with almost 100 of those reports coming from the two-month span of April and May.

Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Whipple says though tornadoes can happen any time of the year.  “Our tornado season lately has pretty much been year-round. Here a few years ago, we had a tornado in December in our area. It’s important to be weather-aware year-round and be prepared to seek shelter if you’re in a tornado warning or whatever the case may be.”

The best place to be in a tornado is in a basement below ground level, or put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. If you are caught outside, find shelter in a ditch or remain in your vehicle and cover your head for protection.

For more about Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state of Iowa, click here

(National Weather Service graphic)