Iowa
Iowa’s 39 EF1 tornadoes set single-year record, NWS says
Iowa’s violent and tumultuous weather has set a new mark.
The 122 confirmed tornadoes so far in 2024 are a state record, the National Weather Service in Des Moines recently revealed. That’s two more than the total for all of 2004 (122). Ninety-eight tornadoes touched down in April and May, with each month tallying 49 local tornadoes.
More: Iowa has seen more tornadoes than most states in 2024. Will fall bring more destruction?
Consistent power also sets a record
The National Weather Service also noted that 2024 has already broken the record for the most EF1 tornadoes in any year on record (39). This year has witnessed the most EF3 (4) and EF4 (2) tornadoes since 1999.
The 49 tornadoes in both May and April are tied for the third most tornadoes in a single month in Iowa’s history. December 2021 produced 63 tornadoes, which is the Iowa single-month record.
A widespread derecho tore across Iowa in December 2021, producing 63 tornadoes, a single-day Iowa record.
May 2004 produced 57 tornadoes, the second-most in history.
Wide-reaching devastation
The widest tornado in 2024 was the Minden tornado, which reached 1.1 miles at its widest point, while the longest tornado was in Greenfield at 42.4 miles.
The Greenfield tornado was the most devastating, which reached an exceedingly rare 300 mph wind speed. The twister destroyed at least 153 homes in a single minute and caused 35 injuries and five fatalities.
The Minden tornado in April also caused a fatality and was one of two Iowa tornadoes to travel longer than 40 miles.
More: Greenfield tornado damaged, destroyed at least 153 Iowa homes in roughly one minute
Technological advancements improve tornado data
The National Weather Service said they can more accurately track tornadoes in 2024 thanks to better technology and a “more active storm spotting and chasing network,” which may contribute to higher totals. The organization also said improved radar technology helps staff track twisters.
“NWS Des Moines expresses deep sympathy for all those impacted by the devastating tornadoes this year,” the NWS Facebook post said.
Ryan Magalhães is a reporter for the Register. Reach them at rmagalhaes@dmreg.com.
More and more, it is looking like playing on the offensive line for the Iowa Hawkeyes is becoming a one-way ticket to the NFL. Offensive line coach George Barnett is among the best in the business, and his 2026 offensive line should continue the trend of strong play for the Hawkeyes.
This past NFL Draft saw the Hawkeyes send Logan Jones, Gennings Dunker, and Beau Stephens to the next level as the latest successes. They come on the heels of Tyler Linderbaum and Tristan Wirfs, two of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
Iowa is now looking to continue the offensive line prowess as it hosts a highly touted recruit, as they prepare for more future departures to the NFL. Two starters on the offensive line this season, Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, have each generated NFL buzz, and if history tells us anything, NFL teams like Iowa offensive linemen.
Iowa Hawkeyes Hosting Four-Star Caleb Johnson
While it may be summer for the current roster with training camp approaching, the recruiting trail doesn’t sleep for the coaching staff. Some of the latest news for Iowa’s class of 2027 is the upcoming visit that Caleb Johnson, a four-star offensive lineman, will take to Iowa City.
Johnson, a product of Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana, is coming off a string of visits to high-profile schools such as Indiana and Michigan State, with a visit to the Hawkeyes on deck.
Iowa may have a slight inside track on Johnson, as it was on Johnson’s recruiting trail earlier than some in the process, offering him back in January of 2026.
Caleb Johnson Bio
High School: Noblesville
Hometown: Noblesville, Indiana
Class: 2027
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 260
Recruiting Rankings: No. 2 recruit in Indiana, No. 22 offensive tackle, No. 248 recruit overall
Other Offers: Indiana, Michigan State, Missouri, Cincinnati, Auburn, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, UNC, Oklahoma State, Purdue, UCLA, and others
Analysis: At just 260 pounds, Iowa would be able to mold Johnson in the weight room and developmental program, which is one of the best in the country. In his tape from high school, Johnson is seen playing snaps at center, guard, and tackle, which offers versatility from the jump.
Iowa Football 2027 Recruiting Class
The Iowa Hawkeyes currently sit with the No. 29 overall 2027 recruiting class as things stand right now. The Hawkeyes have landed 10 commits for the 2027 class, two of them being offensive linemen.
Reilly Newman from West Chester Ohio, a three-star recruit, and Nate Brenneman from Rock Valley, Iowa, another three-star recruit have given their commitments to the Hawkeyes.
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With the I-Cubs trailing 1-0 in the second inning, Scott Kingery singled home a run and another came home on a sacrifice fly from
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek spent Saturday campaigning across Eastern Iowa as part of his “Pushing for Change” get-out-the-vote tour.
Turek, a state representative and two-time Paralympic gold medalist, held canvass launches and door-knocking events in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and North Liberty as he works to build support ahead of Iowa’s upcoming primary election.
The candidate is seeking Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat and says his campaign is centered on issues affecting families across the state. Among his top priorities are affordability, housing, health care access, immigration reform, and support for working families.
“I think it’s important for people to hear directly from their candidates,” Turrek said. “Tuesday is election day, so trying to get all over the state and talk to people directly about this generational chance that we’ve got to change this state and change this country.”
Turek is one of two Democratic candidates who will appear on the June primary ballot.
“There’s nothing like a direct interaction with voters, face-to-face on their stairs,” Turek said.
Voters interested in learning more about Turek and his campaign can watch Iowa’s News Now’s full Beyond the Podium interview on the Iowa’s News Now YouTube channel.
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