When people hear the words “Tornado Alley,” the first thing that often comes to mind is the wide plains of Texas, Nebraska, Illinois, and Kansas. But Iowa of cornfields and rolling plains is right there in the heart of it.

Besides the pondering question, ‘Is Iowa in Tornado Alley?’ Many prospective residents of Iowa often wonder if there is any escaping the tornado alley in the state’s capital, Des Moines.

This, though, is often driven by the common misconception that tornadoes don’t hit cities.

While it might be less common due to the geography of cities versus rural areas, it’s not impossible. So, just how much at risk is Des Moines for tornadoes?

Let’s look at Des Moines’ tornado history and what to expect of this nature’s dramatic wind.

An Inside View on Des Moines Weather

One thing you must note when moving to Des Moines, Iowa, is that the city experiences a wide range of weather throughout the year. For instance, it has distinct seasons that contribute to its changing climate.

While winter brings freezing temperatures and snow, the spring and summer months increase the risk of thunderstorms and tornadoes.

This is due to the warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with cold, dry air from the north. It creates the perfect conditions for tornado formation.

While tornadoes are unpredictable and dangerous, they are just one part of the broader weather system in Des Moines.

Is Des Moines in the Clear or the Tornado Alley?

Tornado Alley is a broad stretch of areas in the U.S. where tornadoes are more likely to develop.

Iowa happens to be smack dab at the edge of this area. However, some areas have been relatively spared of the spiral wind damage over the years.

So, where do tornadoes most likely occur in Iowa?

Tornadoes are more common in rural areas of the state, where there’s nothing but wide-open spaces. But that doesn’t mean cities like Des Moines have a magical tornado shield.

While Des Moines might not always be ground zero for these storms, it’s certainly not immune. It just happens to be close enough to feel the effects of unpredictable storms.

Tornado History in Des Moines: What the Numbers Are Like

Des Moines has had its fair share of tornadoes over the years. Some have been particularly memorable, although not in a good way for the residents.

The Des Moines metro area has been hit several times over the years. Though not always directly in the city’s core.

So far, 2024 has seen a record-breaking number of tornadoes in Iowa (totaling 122 as of August 2024). Among the multiple tornado strikes in the city this year, an EF1 tornado tore through Des Moines on July 15.

The most significant tornado-related incident in recent Des Moines tornado history occurred on July 19th and 20th, 2018, when a strong tornado struck southeast Iowa and Des Moines. The tornado wreaked havoc in nearby cities like Pella.

Although Des Moines wasn’t directly hit that day, the event served as a stark reminder that tornadoes are an ever-present threat in the region.

How Often Do Tornadoes Hit Des Moines?

You don’t have to worry if you’re wondering whether Des Moines is a tornado magnet.

The city is not exactly a hotbed of constant spiral wind monsters. To put this in perspective for those wondering how many tornadoes in Iowa per year, it has been on the average record.

On average, Iowa sees around 50 tornadoes annually, But most of those don’t touch down in Des Moines itself. The stats tend to see fewer tornadoes annually than even the state average.

On a year-to-year basis, Des Moines might experience anywhere from 1 to 2 tornadoes in its vicinity. However, the wider central Iowa region, where Des Moines is located, sees around 7 to 10 tornadoes annually.

Tornado Season: When to Watch the Skies

Iowa’s tornadoes can happen just about any time of the year, but the prime “tornado season” runs from late spring through early summer.

You will want to keep an extra eye on the weather report in April, May, and June!

May and June are peak tornado seasons in Iowa. These months are typically the most tornado-prone months in Des Moines. Warm temperatures clash with cooler air masses to create storms.

During these months, the odds of spotting those swirling clouds go up significantly. But this doesn’t mean you should get too relaxed once summer rolls in July.

As earlier said, Iowa’s weather is famously unpredictable, and tornadoes might just hit to clear all doubts for those still asking, ‘Is Iowa in Tornado Alley?’

The truth is Des Moines residents are well-versed in keeping an eye on the sky during tornado season. If you’re new to the area, here are some weather cues to watch for:

• Dark, rotating clouds
• Sudden calm. Tornadoes are often preceded by a strange calm after a storm
• Hail and heavy rain
• Wind shears
• Thunderstorms

Another thing to beware of is the misconception that Des Moines’ tall buildings will provide necessary protection. This is not necessarily true.

While tall buildings can slightly disrupt tornadoes, they certainly don’t stop them. Not to mention that flying debris can still cause significant damage.

What Happens When the Next Tornado Hits?

While you can’t predict exactly when the next tornado will strike Des Moines, you can certainly prepare for it.

Des Moines is no stranger to severe weather alerts, and the city has a warning system in place to alert residents when conditions are ripe for a tornado.

• Tornado sirens are common across Iowa, and in Des Moines, they sound whenever there’s an immediate risk.
• If a tornado does decide to visit Des Moines, you can expect some serious winds. Tornado wind speeds can range from 65 mph in weaker EF0 tornadoes to over 200 mph in the strongest EF5 tornadoes.
• Des Moines’ infrastructure has adapted to weather these occurrences. Schools and public buildings typically have designated tornado shelters, and many homes come with basements or storm cellars.

Tornado Preparation

The good news is that tornadoes are relatively rare in densely populated areas like Des Moines. But they do happen, and preparation becomes key to safety.

If there’s one thing that comes with living in Des Moines, it’s learning to stop asking, ‘Is Iowa in Tornado Alley?’ and instead learning how to prepare for tornadoes.

Since the city is always at some level of risk during tornado season, locals know the drill:

• Keep a weather radio handy
• Pay attention to storm warnings.
• Keep an emergency kit containing essentials
• Know where to seek shelter if the worst should happen.

When you spot a tornado in the area, the best course of action is to get to the lowest level of your home, away from windows, in an interior room or basement.

If you’re caught outside, don’t try to outrun a tornado—find the nearest sturdy shelter.

Is Iowa in Tornado Alley? Bottom Line

So, is Iowa in Tornado Alley?
Is Des Moines at risk for tornadoes?

Yes, to both questions. But don’t let that keep you up at night.

While Des Moines does see its share of tornado activity, you don’t have to dodge twisters constantly. Just stay alert during tornado season, and if you hear those sirens, take them seriously so you can ride out any storm that comes your way.

So, don’t be afraid to make that decision to relocate to the city, it could be just the haven you seek.