National Weather ServiceIowaTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 12 tornado watches for Iowa in 2025 and 17 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 16th most of any state. 2026 through September: 24, 56% above the average of 15 for those months in 2008-2025. Wayne was covered most often (106 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Iowa get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 24 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2011 | 25 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2008 | 39 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Iowa get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Iowa?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne | 106 | 25 | July 20, 2026 |
| Lucas | 105 | 25 | July 20, 2026 |
| Clarke | 100 | 24 | September 14, 2026 |
| Ringgold | 100 | 25 | September 14, 2026 |
| Decatur | 99 | 23 | June 10, 2026 |
| Union | 99 | 25 | September 14, 2026 |
| Appanoose | 98 | 23 | July 20, 2026 |
| Taylor | 98 | 22 | September 14, 2026 |
| Adams | 97 | 22 | September 14, 2026 |
| Monroe | 96 | 24 | July 20, 2026 |
| Adair | 94 | 22 | September 14, 2026 |
| Madison | 93 | 24 | September 14, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a tornado watch?
Tornado watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when thunderstorms able to produce tornadoes are possible over a large area, usually for several hours; local offices list the counties it covers. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Iowa.