Iowa's biggest tornado outbreak of 2024 happened a year ago Saturday
Since records began, only 2 other days have brought more tornadoes to the state
Since records began, only 2 other days have brought more tornadoes to the state
Since records began, only 2 other days have brought more tornadoes to the state
This weekend marks one year since Iowans were battered by the state's biggest tornado outbreak of 2024.
A total of 29 tornadoes tracked across Iowa on April 26 last year, causing extensive damage, injuring multiple people, and causing one death.
Biggest outbreak since December 2021 derecho
Those 29 tornadoes were the most Iowa had seen in one day since 2021's December derecho hit the state.
This outbreak is also Iowa's third-largest since records began in the 1950s.
Top Tornado Days in Iowa History
- 63 — Dec. 15, 2021
- 35 — Aug. 31, 2014
- 29 — April 26, 2024
- 28 — April 11, 2001
- 25 — July 14, 2021 & March 31, 2023
Western Iowa hit first
The April 26 outbreak began in Nebraska that afternoon, then quickly spread into far western Iowa.
Three different EF3 tornadoes formed in Pottawattamie County, the strongest of which hit the small town of Minden.
Winds exceeding 160 mph destroyed much of the community of 600 and killed one person. That tornado would eventually carve a 40-mile path of damage up into Shelby County.
WATCH: vlog drone video shows damage after Pleasant Hill tornado
Central, southern Iowa tornadoes
Later that evening, over a dozen twisters touched down across south-central Iowa.
Creston, Osceola, and the Ringgold County town of Tingley were all hit by EF2 tornadoes.
A final EF2 formed over Des Moines' south side and tracked through Pleasant Hill, severely damaging numerous homes along the way.
April 26 would end up being one of 19 days with tornadoes in 2024. A total of 125 struck Iowa, setting a new annual record.
