How long do tornadoes last? Answering Iowans' common questions about twisters.
Iowans are no strangers to tornadoes, and when the threat is present, we understand what our responsibilities are.
Stay informed and stay safe.
But what else do we know about tornadoes?
Severe weather triggered tornadoes in parts of Iowa on April 16, just weeks before May, the month that will have the highest risk for tornadoes in Iowa this year due to a change in weather patterns.
Despite the activity Iowa may see soon, AccuWeather predicts between 1,250 to 1,375 tornadoes across the country this year, less than in 2023.
As tornado season continues, here are common questions about twisters, answered.
How long do tornadoes last?
The average time a tornado is on the ground for is about five minutes, according to NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, but the time can range from an instant to several hours.
Where do tornadoes occur?
They can occur anywhere in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service. Tornadoes are “most common in the central plains east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Appalachians.”
Tornado Alley, which covers portions of the Great Plains and Midwest, experiences “a higher propensity for tornadic development” because all the key ingredients to form one are found there, said Justin Glisan, state climatologist of Iowa in an email to the Register
“These include the meeting of cold, drier air from Canada and warm, moist air moving north from the Gulf of Mexico,” he said.
Why don’t tornadoes hit major cities?
Actually, they can and have. In fact, tornadoes can hit anywhere, and it’s a misconception that metropolitan areas are not impacted by it, Glisan said.
It’s all about probability, according to the Weather Channel. A majority of Iowa’s counties are considered rural or micropolitan, according to a 2023 report from Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach. Rural counties are those without a city of 10,000 or more while micropolitan counties have a city of at least 10,000 people, but less than 50,000.
How many tornadoes occurred in Iowa in 2023?
In 2023, Iowa experienced 72 tornadoes, NWS meteorologist Allan Curtis confirmed with the Des Moines Register in an email.
In 2022, Iowa experienced 42 tornadoes
In 2021, Iowa experienced 114 tornadoes
Database: See the tornadoes in Iowa since 1950
How fast can tornadoes travel?
A typical tornado travels at around 10-20 miles per hour, according to NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. Tornadoes can be almost stationary to moving more than 60 mph.
More: Why is the tornado siren going off? What to know about monthly tests in the Des Moines area
Can tornadoes happen at night?
Yes. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, but most occur from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., USA TODAY reported in 2022.
Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How long do tornadoes last? Answering common questions about twisters.
