An Overview of the Tornadoes in Iowa on July 28, 2023
On Friday, July 28, 2023, a series of tornadoes spun through Iowa, causing varying levels of damage but, thankfully, no reported injuries. The National Weather Service reported three separate tornadoes, varying from EF-0 to EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which rates the strength of tornadoes in the United States and Canada based on the damage they cause.
The EF-1 Tornado Near Popejoy
The first of these tornadoes was an EF-1 that touched down just 3 miles northeast of Popejoy, a rural community in Franklin County. This tornado boasted estimated peak winds of 90 mph, kicking up at 5:42 PM CDT and winding down by 5:55 PM CDT.
Though the storm’s path length and width are still under evaluation, early reports from the National Weather Service in Des Moines indicate that the tornado did cause noticeable damage to a farm in the area. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of this tornado.
EF-1 Tornado Near Andrew
The second EF-1 tornado of the day occurred near the town of Andrew, situated in northeast Iowa. This tornado, similar to the one near Popejoy, had peak winds estimated at 90 mph. However, the presence of two EF-1 tornadoes on the same day underlines the volatile weather conditions that were prevalent on July 28.
EF-0 Tornado in Clinton: The Waterspout
The third tornado was an EF-0 that occurred in the city of Clinton, a city located along the Mississippi River. The tornado’s peak winds were recorded at 75 mph, making it slightly less powerful than the two EF-1 tornadoes earlier in the day.
Interestingly, this tornado, which occurred from 9:16 to 9:18 PM CDT, had a path length of 1.44 miles that included a crossing over the Mississippi River. Due to this, the tornado could be classified as a waterspout, a rare event for Iowa. Despite the uncommon nature of this event, there were no reported injuries from this tornado.
These events underscore the importance of tornado preparedness and staying informed during severe weather conditions. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from these tornadoes, but the damage to properties, especially the farm near Popejoy, is a stark reminder of the force of nature. We’ll be closely following the National Weather Service in Des Moines for additional path information and updates on the July 28 tornadoes.