Iowa has experienced some of the most severe storms in U.S. history. The state is no stranger to powerful tornadoes, derechos, and other extreme weather events that have caused significant damage and loss.
What are the biggest storms to have ever hit Iowa? These storms have shaped the state’s history and landscape, leaving lasting impacts on its communities. This article delves into the ten most significant storms to strike Iowa, revealing the ferocity of nature and the resilience of its people.
1. Derecho of August 2020
On August 10, 2020, a powerful derecho hit the Midwest, severely impacting Iowa. This type of storm involves a long line of intense thunderstorms.
The derecho caused wind speeds of up to 130 mph in some places. It affected a vast area, spanning more than 90,000 square miles. Over 20 million people were living in the affected area.
The storm left a path of destruction, leading to $11.5 billion in damage. Nearly 2 million homes lost power. Eastern Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana were the hardest hit states.
The storm also spawned at least 26 tornadoes. High winds and torrential rain were common, adding to the devastation. Corn and soybean fields across Iowa suffered significant damage.
2. Flood of 1993
The Flood of 1993 is known as one of the most significant natural disasters in Iowa‘s history. Beginning in April and lasting until October, this flood impacted multiple states in the Midwest.
In Iowa, the most notable event was when the Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 15 crested at 22.63 feet on July 9, breaking all previous high-water records.
Significant damage occurred throughout the state. For example, the Raccoon River inundated the Des Moines Water Works treatment plant, leaving residents and businesses without running water.
In terms of infrastructure, the damage totaled about $500 million with 40 bridges and 60 highways affected. The Mississippi River was also closed to barge traffic until August 22 due to the flooding.
3. Great Midwest Flood of 2008
The Great Midwest Flood of 2008 was a significant event that impacted many areas in Iowa. Beginning on June 8, the flooding was caused by a prolonged period of heavy rainfall and saturated soils. This led to major rivers such as the Iowa River, Cedar River, and Upper Mississippi River overflowing their banks.
In Cedar Rapids, the Cedar River reached a record-setting crest of 31.12 feet on June 13, affecting more than 10 square miles of the city. Approximately 1,126 city blocks were impacted, with 561 severely damaged.
The floodwaters forced thousands of residents to evacuate and caused more than $1 billion in damages. In total, 85 of Iowa’s 99 counties were declared disaster areas. Despite the extensive damage, there were no flood-related deaths reported.
4. Tornado Outbreak of May 2008
The tornado outbreak of May 22-27, 2008, was one of the most significant in Iowa’s history. During this period, a total of 173 tornadoes were confirmed, affecting several states in the central United States.
In Iowa, the town of Parkersburg was hit particularly hard. On May 25, 2008, a massive EF5 tornado struck the community, causing widespread destruction.
This tornado was part of the larger outbreak that impacted the Great Plains. It resulted in severe damage, including the loss of homes and other structures. The Parkersburg tornado was especially notable for its intensity and the level of destruction it caused in a relatively short time. One result of the outbreak was the lasting impact on the communities affected. Further details can be found in the tornado outbreak of May 2008.
5. Derecho of June 2012
The Derecho of June 2012 was a severe storm that struck Iowa and many other regions. This storm moved rapidly, reaching speeds of nearly 60 mph.
The derecho caused significant damage, with wind gusts recorded at extremely high speeds. This event led to multiple fatalities and widespread power outages affecting millions of people.
The storm’s impact was felt across the Midwest and into the Mid-Atlantic states, leaving behind extensive destruction. This derecho is considered one of the most destructive in recent history due to the magnitude of its damage and the vast area it covered.
For more information on its impact, you can refer to the National Weather Service.
6. Blizzard of January 1979
The Blizzard of January 1979 remains one of the most significant winter storms in Iowa’s history. The Quad Cities area was hit especially hard, with an all-time record snowfall of 26.7 inches for the month.
Temperatures dropped to an average of 6.3 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the coldest January recorded in the area. The storm’s powerful winds led to massive snow drifts, some as high as eight feet, paralyzing the region.
Roads were impassable, and the community struggled to dig out from the heavy snow. The blizzard caused severe disruptions to daily life, impacting transportation and emergency services. This storm is widely remembered for its intensity and the challenges it posed.
7. Heat Wave and Drought of 1988
The summer of 1988 was brutal for Iowa. Prolonged high temperatures and a severe drought put the state in a tough spot. Temperatures often soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the hottest summers on record.
The heat wave and drought caused significant agricultural damage. Crops wilted under the unrelenting sun, leading to widespread economic losses. Livestock also suffered, and water sources dried up.
This event was part of a nationwide crisis. The 1988 heat wave and drought extended from coast to coast, with heavy impacts on the Midwest. In Iowa, the intense heat and lack of rain made this period unforgettable, leaving a lasting mark on the state’s history.
8. Flood of 1965
The Flood of 1965 stands out as one of the most significant natural disasters in Iowa’s history. The Mississippi River overflowed, affecting many eastern Iowa communities.
The flood caused significant damage, estimated at over ten million dollars. Nearly 2,000 homes in the Quad City area were evacuated due to rising waters.
On April 14, 1965, sandbags were brought in by train to help fight the flooding. The river crested at record levels, disrupting the lives of countless residents.
Learn more about the Mississippi River flood of 1965 in Iowa.
9. Tornado Outbreak of June 1976
On June 13, 1976, one of the largest tornadoes in Iowa’s history struck. Known as the Jordan Tornado, it began southwest of Luther and moved north-northeast.
This tornado was classified as an F5, making it one of the most powerful types of tornadoes. It caused significant damage between Ames and Boone and was nearly a mile wide in some areas.
The twister grew stronger as it reached US Highway 30, east of the intersection with IA 17. It left a lasting impact on the region, remembered for its destructive force and the lives it altered.
For more information, visit the Jordan, Iowa Tornado page.
10. Blizzard of February 1971
The Blizzard of February 1971 is one of Iowa’s most memorable winter storms. This storm, also known as the Great Lakes Blizzard, was particularly severe, creating massive snow drifts up to 12 feet high in some areas.
Iowa and Nebraska were hit the hardest by this storm. The state snowfall average for this blizzard was 10.4 inches, which disrupted daily life and caused significant challenges.
Heavy winds accompanied the snowfall, making travel nearly impossible. The blizzard damaged infrastructure and left many residents without power for days. This storm truly tested the resilience of Iowans.
Historical Context of Iowa Storms
Iowa has a complex history with storms, marked by early records and evolving patterns in storm frequency over time. These changes provide insight into weather trends and potential future risks.
Early Recorded Storms
The first recorded storms in Iowa date back to the mid-19th century. Documented incidents highlight the impact of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and floods. For example, the tornado of June 1860 devastated the town of Camanche, causing significant loss and drawing early attention to the state’s storm risks.
In the early 20th century, tornadoes continued to wreak havoc. The 1931 tornado in Anamosa resulted in numerous fatalities and widespread destruction. During this time, record-keeping started to improve, providing more detailed accounts of storm paths and damage.
Early records also note severe winter storms. The Blizzard of 1888 is one of the most notorious, leaving deep snow and isolating communities for days. These historical events paved the way for better storm preparedness and response.
Changes in Storm Frequency
Studies and storm data indicate changes in the frequency and intensity of storms over the decades. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has tracked tornadoes since 1950, revealing trends in storm activity.
In recent years, the number of storms, especially tornadoes, has varied, but there’s been an increase in awareness and preparedness. The tornado on March 31, 2023 in Keokuk County is an example of more recent severe storms.
There is also evidence of shifting patterns in weather conditions, with some periods showing higher storm activity. This information is vital for predicting and preparing for future storms, ensuring that communities remain safe and resilient.
Meteorological Factors of Major Iowa Storms
Iowa’s major storms are shaped by unique meteorological patterns and significant climate influences. Understanding these factors helps to grasp why such severe weather events occur frequently in the state.
Meteorological Patterns
Iowa often experiences severe weather due to its location in the Midwest. The state is right in the path of contrasting air masses—warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cold, dry air from Canada.
This clash can lead to intense thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Topography also plays a role. Iowa’s relatively flat landscape allows storms to form and move without many obstacles. This increases the likelihood of large, severe storm systems developing and traveling across the state.
Spring and summer are particularly active seasons for storms in Iowa. During these months, the atmosphere tends to be more unstable, increasing the chances of severe weather events.
The jet stream, often situated over Iowa, can further fuel storm development by bringing in more energy and moisture.
Climate Influences
Iowa’s climate has shifted over the years, and these changes are influencing storm patterns.
Warmer temperatures due to climate change mean the air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier precipitation events.
This is a key factor in the recent record-breaking floods and extensive tornado damage in the state.
Increased moisture availability and warmer temperatures also contribute to a higher frequency of intense storms.
This combination creates more extreme weather events, as seen with the $130 million in damages from recent floods and tornadoes in Iowa.
Additionally, prolonged droughts can make the soil less able to absorb heavy rains, leading to more severe flooding when storms do occur.
Event frequency and intensity stemming from climate influences will likely persist, further stressing the state’s infrastructure and communities.