At Least 36 Reports of Tornadoes in Iowa Wednesday

15 Jul 2021, 6:00 pm

Right now meteorologists across Iowa are combing through Wednesday’s weather data, video footage, and ground surveys in order to come up with a complete analysis of exactly what happened. As of Thursday evening, there were at least three dozen separate reports of tornadoes. Not every one of those reports will be a separate, confirmed tornado. Sometimes it’s the same tornado. Here are some of the images to catch you up to speed, in case you missed it.

**NEW** Jaw-dropping video getting up close and personal with one of the Iowa tornadoes today. Come along for a ride with this one storm spotter who was right next to the tornado near Stratford, IA! #iawx pic.twitter.com/uf4WTHaFAr

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) July 15, 2021

In the video above, Scott Peake captures the evolution of a tornado in Stratford, Iowa which can be seen swirling briskly across open corn fields. At one point in the video, the tornado moves right over the road in front of him, causing power poles and utility lines to swing in reaction.

**NEW VIDEO** More drone footage of one of the tornadoes this afternoon in Iowa and the damage to Lake City. #iawx pic.twitter.com/AIfm0vPIMR

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) July 15, 2021

In this video above Lake City, Iowa took a hit from a tornado and unfortunately sustained damage. Video courtesy Brian Emfinger (LSM).

There were so many tornadoes from individual National Weather Service offices that we had to break it down by region. Let’s take a look at the County Warning Area (or CWA) for NWS Quad Cities.

A preliminary report has been released regarding the Lake City, Iowa tornado from Wednesday, July 14th. The National Weather Service in Des Moines rated the twister an EF-3 with max winds (estimated) up to 145 mph!

We continue to gather more information on the tornadoes across Iowa on Wednesday. In the meantime, check out our latest article regarding what to expect (severe weather-wise) for the rest of this week.

About the author

Steven Glazier

Summer of 1993, New England Dragway. That's when and where Steve knew he wanted to become a meteorologist. More than 20 years later he is extremely fortunate and blessed to be able to live his childhood dream. As a lover of math and science, Steve had a consistent interest in weather in elementary, middle, and high school before discovering you can major in meteorology. He attended Lyndon State Co... Load Morellege in Vermont where he received a bachelor's in meteorology-broadcasting and associate's in television news. He has worked as a meteorologist and reporter in Winchester, VA, Burlington, VT, and most recently in West Palm Beach, FL. He's recognized by the American Meteorological Society with the Certification of Broadcast Meteorologists.