The National Weather Service in Des Moines said 122 tornadoes have been recorded in Iowa this year, breaking the annual record of 120 tornadoes set in 2004. There have been several tornado outbreaks in April and May.
Meteorologists say there are many factors contributing to the new record, including improved reporting practices in recent decades involving storm spotters and storm trackers, as well as the improvement and widespread availability of recording equipment to record storms.
In addition to the new annual record, Iowa also saw the most tornadoes in April with 49, breaking the previous record of 40 tornadoes set in 2001. This makes it the third-highest month for tornadoes during the same period, with the number trailing behind the 63 reported in December 2021 and the 57 reported in May 2004.
Iowa also experienced its most violent tornadoes in a single year since 1999, as well as its most EF-1 tornadoes on record. As always, the vast majority of recorded tornadoes were rated EF-1 or lower.
All of these tornadoes had a devastating impact on many communities. Iowa is still recovering from two EF-4 tornadoes and four EF-3 tornadoes that caused deadly and catastrophic damage to Iowa.
The Minden tornado was the widest tornado so far this year, just over a mile wide. The powerful Greenfield tornado ripped through the ground for more than 42 miles, killing five people. Thanks to incredible footage and data collected by storm trackers and researchers, Greenfield also has the potential to become a historic storm. A Doppler vehicle on wheels recorded the highest wind speeds ever detected on Earth, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 300 mph above the surface.
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