Weekly Weather Event -Week of July 12th
July 17, 2021Tornadoes touched down in Iowa on the 14th, bringing damaging winds across much of the central portion of the state. As of the morning of July 16th, preliminary storm survey results have counted 26 total tornados. When comparing this number to the record number of tornadoes in the state in one day, July 14, 2021 currently would sit at 3rd (with August 31, 2014 at 35 tornadoes and April 11, 2001 at 28 tornadoes).
From the damage survey conducted by the NWS office in Des Moines, four tornadoes have been identified as EF-1 and one tornado has been classified as an EF-3 with peak winds between 136-145 mph. Radar and satellite data will be used to better determine both the max width of the tornadoes as well as their path length.
Practicing tornado safety is important no matter where you live in the United States. Before severe weather is expected in your area, designate an interior portion of your house or workplace as a safe location—such as a basement, safe room, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Prep an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food and bottled water that can last you and your family a couple of days.
These information and results presented here are still preliminary, and the total number of tornadoes may change as new information arrives. We recommend keeping up to date with information as it becomes avaliable.