Howard County, IA Tornadoes

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Little Change in the Dryness South of I-90

Tornadoes in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and southwest & central Wisconsin
Background Information	Statistics (1850-Present)	Records (1850-Present)

Howard County (IA) Tornadoes*
1850-2020

Date			Time	Location	Other Counties Affected	Length (miles)	Width (yards)	Deaths**	Injuries**	EF-Scale
Month	Day	Year	Time	Location	Other Counties Affected	Length (miles)	Width (yards)	Deaths**	Injuries**	EF-Scale
5	27	2019	1249-1258 CST	Lime Springs 3.5NNE to Greenleafton 0.4E	Fillmore, MN	6.19	30	0	0	EF1
			A tornado that developed just south of the Minnesota state line north of Lime Springs (this was the third tornado of the day in Howard County) moved into Fillmore County south of York and then moved north-northeast before dissipating near Greenleafton. A small barn and machine shed were destroyed and another sustained roof damage from the tornado. Another two farms also sustained some minor damage to buildings and a few homes sustained minor wind and tree damage. This tornado caused $202,000 in property damage. More on this tornado can be found at: http://www.weather.gov/arx/may2719
5	27	2019	1225-1243 CST	Maple Leaf 3.1WSW to Lime Springs 0.5SW	None	12.62	95	0	0	EF1
			A tornado formed over rural Howard County south of Saratoga and then traveled north-northeast before dissipating just before entering Lime Springs. The tornado struck and destroyed a wind turbine north of State Highway 9 and also destroyed a large farm building along Lilac Avenue. This tornado caused $1.3 million in property damage. More on this tornado can be found at: http://www.weather.gov/arx/may2719
5	27	2019	1210-1215 CST	Deerfield 2.1NW to 3 SW Elma 2.9SW	Chickasaw, IA	4.07	25	0	0	EF0
			A tornado touched down across northwest Chickasaw County southwest of Alta Vista. The tornado traveled north-northeast across rural parts of the county before passing into Howard County southwest of Elma. It then moved north-northeast and then dissipated after crossing Dale Avenue. This was spotted by area fire departments. Farm buildings were damaged just north of the Chickasaw County line. This was witnessed by area fire departments serving as spotters. There was $35,000 of damage in Howard County. This tornado caused $35,000 in property damage. More on this tornado can be found at: http://www.weather.gov/arx/may2719
7	19	2017	1615-1616 CST	Maple Leaf 3.6W to Maple Leaf 2.9W	None	0.72	20	0	0	EF0
			An EF-0 tornado touched down north of Elma and traveled a short distance to the northeast. The tornado pulled a corner of a pole shed out of the ground and drone footage showed a narrow path through a cornfield. This tornado caused $12,000 in property damage and $5,000 in crop damage. More on this tornado can be found at: https://www.weather.gov/arx/jul1917
9	6	2016	1650-1651 CST	Bonair 2WSW	None	0.02	25	0	0	EF0
			Storm chasers spotted a brief touchdown in an open field between Lime Springs and Cresco. This tornado caused $200 in property damage. More on this tornado can be found at: https://www.weather.gov/arx/sep0616
5	22	2011	1333-1429 CST	Riceville 3.9NE (Howard County, IA) to Henrytown 2.5SW (Fillmore County, MN)	Fillmore (MN)	28.68	250 (Howard) 225 (Fillmore)	0	3	EF2
			This tornado first caused some damage about 3 miles north of State Highway 9 north of Riceville. The tornado almost immediately strengthened to EF1 as it moved northeast. Several farms had outbuildings destroyed, widespread tree damage occurred and several homes had partial or complete roof damage. As the tornado passed south of Chester, it increased to its maximum width and strength. The tornado remained at EF2 strength as it crossed the state line into Fillmore County Minnesota. The tornado passed through rural portions of the county affecting around a dozen farms with only three minor injuries occurring. Around 850 customers lost power as a result of the storms. Damages were estimated to be around $500 thousand in Howard County. Around 1:05 pm CST, this tornado moved into Fillmore County, west of Granger, and continued to track northeast until dissipating northeast of Harmony. The worst damage from this tornado occurred southwest and west of Harmony where two farm silos were damaged and roofs were taken off structures. Damages were estimated to be around $250 thousand in Fillmore County. Overall, the tornado traveled nearly 29 miles and produced $780,000 in damage. There were 3 injuries attributed to this tornado. A 'Tornado Emergency' was declared for Harmony but luckily the storm passed north of the town.
8	19	2009	1450 CST	Saratoga 1.5 SSE	None	0.1	20	0	0	EF0
			An aerial crop assessment survey determined a brief tornado touched down in the middle of a cornfield between Elma and Saratoga in rural Howard County, IA. It was estimated that this tornado caused $2,000 in crop damage. Three other tornadoes touched down in northeast Iowa (Chickasaw, Fayette, and Winneshiek counties) during this afternoon.
7	5	2004	1640-1645 CST	Protivin 2NW to Protivin 3NW	None	0.2	20	0	0	F0
			This tornado touched down and briefly hit a barn that housed turkeys near Protivin.
6	16	2004	1348-1350 CST	Riceville	None	0.2	20	0	0	F0
			Brief touch down causing no damage.
6	16	2004	1255-1257 CST	Davis Corners	None	0.1	20	0	0	F0
			Brief touch down causing no damage.
6	11	2004	1656-1713 CST	Riceville, IA 2N to LeRoy 4NW	Mower	12	150	0	0	F3
			This was the last of three tornadoes to be produced by a small but intense thunderstorm in northeast Iowa (two in Howard County and one in Mitchell County). This tornado was the most significant tornado and it formed about 2 miles north of Riceville,IA just east of the Mitchell-Howard County line. The tornado tracked north, just east of the county line or Addison Avenue. It grew in strength and at one point was approximately 150 yards wide, hitting several homes and farms (F2 damage). One home lost the roof and all buildings. The tornado was so close to the county line that debris was thrown across Addison Avenue into Mitchell County at times. The dirt and young crops were scoured by the tornado. This tornado caused an estimated $190,000 in property damage and $30,000 in crop damage in Howard County. This tornado reached F3 damage intensity right on the state line around 6:05 p.m. The tornado then started to weaken, but did heavy damage to a grain company (Koch Industries)(F2 damage) about 2 miles west of Le Roy and continued north, crossing Highway 56 just before 6:10 p.m. The tornado lifted approximately 4 miles northwest of Le Roy in open fields. This tornado caused an estimated $3 million in property damage and $20,000 in crop damage in Mower County.
6	11	2004	1640-1650 CST	Riceville 4S to Riceville	None	4	40	0	0	F0
			This was the second of three tornadoes to be produced by a small but intense thunderstorm in northeast Iowa (two in Howard County and one in Mitchell County). This tornado touched down just east of the Mitchell-Howard County line, about 4 miles south of Riceville (Howard County), and also moved straight north. It downed a few trees, but primarily crossed open fields until it reached the southeast side of Riceville. It damaged a few sheds and buildings in Riceville, with mainly tin roofing material and siding blown off. The tornado lifted in Riceville and was rated an F0. This tornado caused an estimated $190,000 in property damage and $30,000 in crop damage.
6	27	1998	1908 CST	Cresco 2W	None	0.3	20	0	0	F0
			A brief touchdown was reported by amateur radio storm spotters and only damaged a small area of crops.
7	20	1997	2020-2030 CST	Cresco 5W to Cresco 2W	None	3	70	0	0	F0
			A home was damaged from a brief touchdown west of Cresco.
8	19	1996	1800-1805 CST	Davis Corners 2N to Davis Corners 2NE	None	0.5	50	0	0	F0
			A small tornado was reported by law enforcement and the public. It moved across open fields for several hundred yards, flattening corn, but did not hit any buildings.
7	19	1994	2006 CST	Elma 2W	None	0.7	35	0	0	F1
			Significant damage was reported to a farmstead.
7	19	1994	2006-2050 CST	Schley 1W to Decorah 7N	Winneshiek	23	150	0	0	F3
			One farmstead was completely destroyed while 3 others sustained heavy damage as this tornado tracked intermittently across northeast Iowa. Numerous farm buildings were flattened. This same storm produced a wind gust of 98 mph in Cresco and caused over $500,000 in damage - one of the worst storms to hit Cresco ever.
7	19	1994	1929-1945 CST	Elma 1E to Lourdes 2E	None	8.5	40	0	0	F2
			This tornado crossed primarily open farmland but did destroy a few farm buildings.
8	9	1990	1930-1934 CST	Schley 5NWto Schley 3NW	None	1.5	15	0	0	F1
			Little damage occurred as this tornado moved across farm fields and narrowly missed several farmsteads.
5	17	1982	1600 CST	Lime Springs 1S	None	??	??	0	0	F1
			A tornado wrecked a 50x75 foot steel pole shed, a 12x14 foot cattle hutch, and sent a heavy timber from the pole shed through the roof of a hog farrowing house. A piece of wood from the wreckage was driven between the tire and rim of a tractor sitting north of the pole shed.
8	2	1980	0445 CST	?	None	?	?	0	0	F1
5	29	1980	2000 CST	?	None	?	?	0	0	F0
4	17	1975	1950 CST	?	None	?	?	0	0	F1
7	12	1971	1715-1758 CST	Elma 2W to Waucoma 1 SW	Chickasaw Fayette	30	400	0	8	F4
			This tornado moved southeast, passing through Lawler, and hit 50 farms. Three homes and barns were swept away. Damage estimates were $1.5 million. Both Fayette and Howard counties reported 4 injuries apiece.
5	15	1968	1715 CST	Cresco 6S	None	6	250	0	0	F2
			A concrete block garage and barns were destroyed. A home was also unroofed. This tornado tracked north-northeast.
5	15	1968	1510-1600 CST	Hansell 1NE to Chester 2S	Butler Chickasaw Floyd Franklin	65	400	13	462	F5
			Moved northeast from north of Hansell, passing east of Aredale, west of Greene, east of Marble Rock, and devastating Charles City. The tornado grew larger and more intense as it approached Charles City. The huge funnel passed directly through town, destroying 337 homes, and causing about $30 million in damage. The tornado continued to the northeast hitting Elma and causing another $1.5 million in damages. From there the tornado turned to the north and dissipated south of Chester, 4 miles south of the Minnesota border. Nearly 2000 homes were damaged or destroyed. All 13 deaths occurred in Floyd County. 450 injuries were reported in Floyd County and 12 injuries in Howard County. https://www.weather.gov/arx/may151968
3	30	1967	2240 CST	Protivin 2S	Chickasaw	?	100	0	0	F2
			A large barn was destroyed in Chickasaw County before the tornado crossed into Howard County.
9	9	1965	1345 CST	Lime Springs	None	1	50	0	0	F2
			Barns were destroyed and a car was moved 200 feet.
8	25	1965	1745 CST	?	None	?	?	0	0	F1
5	5	1965	1945-2124 CST	Nora Springs 2N (IA) to Yucatan (MN)	Fillmore (MN) Floyd Houston (MN) Mitchell Winneshiek	80	150	0	17	F4
			Moved east-northeast from 2 miles north of Nora Springs, passing 3 miles north of Cresco and lifting near Yucatan, MN. The only F4 damage was to two large farmhouses, 3 miles northwest of Kendallville in Winneshiek County. About 28 farms lost buildings in Iowa. Six people were injured in Minnesota, as homes and barns were destroyed near Canton, Lenora, and Newburg (Fillmore County). Six people were injured in Floyd County and 5 in Howard County.
9	2	1961	2230 CST	?	None	?	?	0	0	F2
6	25	1959	2200 CST	?	None	?	?	0	0	F1
5	20	1953	2115-2210 CST	Bassett 3E to Lime Springs 4SW	Chickasaw	30	??	0	0	F3
			Although barns were destroyed near Bassett, the worst damage was done near the end of the path, in Howard County. The tornado moved north-northeast.
5	10	1953	1715-1810 CST	Chester 5SW to Chatfield 4NE	Fillmore Olmsted	40	400	1	8	F4
			Eleven farms were heavily damaged in northern Iowa before this tornado crossed into Fillmore County. Twenty barns were damaged or destroyed in Minnesota and one man was killed as his barn was destroyed 1 mile southeast of Wykoff. A rural school was leveled 3 miles south of Chatfield as well. The only death occurred in Olmsted County. Six injuries occurred in Olmsted County and 2 injuries in Howard County.
6	19	1937	2130 CST	Riceville 1W to Kendallville	Mitchell Winneshiek	25	100	0	0	F2
			This tornado moved east-northeast from west of Riceville (Mitchell County), passing near Davis Corners and Cresco (Howard County), to near Kendallville (Winneshiek County). A half dozen barns were damaged or destroyed. Beyond Kendalville, downburst damage totalled $100,000.
6	19	1931	2330 CST	Deerfield to Lourdes 2SE	Chickasaw	16	70	0	0	F2
			Barns were destroyed on four farms, mainly in Chickasaw County. About 50 farms had downburst damage totaling $62,000. This tornado then moved northeast into Howard County.
4	21	1925	0930 CST	Davis Corners 2S to Cresco 1E	None	8	??	1	0	F2
			This tornado moved from south of Davis Corners to just east of Cresco, destroying several barns and silos. One boy was killed near Davis Corners when the barn he was seeking shelter in was destroyed.
5	22	1920	1740 CST	?	None	??	??	0	1	F2
			Moving northeast, this tornado destroyed four barns in the northwest corner of New Oregon Township. Damage estimates were $10,000.
9	21	1894	2115 CST	Osage 2S to Riceville 6S to Cresco 10WSW	Mitchell	25	?	5	20	F4
			The tornado moved east northeast from 2 miles south of Osage to 6 miles south of Riceville to about 10 miles west southwest of Cresco. Five or more homes were destroyed and five people were killed all in or near the community of "Lowther" (5 miles north of Elma) in Mitchell County.
6	23	1890	1800 CST	Riceville 1NW to Saratoga 1S	Mitchell	?	15	0	0	F2
			The tornado moved east southeast from northwest of Riceville to about 1 mile south of Saratoga. Ten barns were damaged or destroyed across Howard County. One home near Saratoga was shifted 8 feet, another was unroofed, and another house was hit by trees and lost its kitchen.
6	4	1890	1530 CST	Chester Area	Fillmore (MN)	10	150	0	18	F3
			The tornado moved northeast from 6 miles south-southwest of Chester destroying a home and a school 3 miles south of Chester. A teacher and 10 students were injured at the school and one student lingered near death for days. Hogs were carried for up to 2 miles. Bedding from one home was found in trees about 2 miles from its foundation.
* The data in this table came from *Storm Data* and *Significant Tornadoes--1680-1991* by Thomas P. Grazulis. ** Injuries and Deaths are for the entire tornado track.

Last Updated Friday, April 20, 2020 - Jeff Boyne

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