Iowa Tornadoes: How to Stay Powered and Prepared with EcoFlow
Iowa averages around 50 tornadoes yearly, with a peak season occurring from April to July. With the eastward shift of Tornado Alley, southern and western Iowa are increasingly vulnerable. Being caught off guard during a severe storm can be dangerous, but you can protect your family with the proper knowledge and emergency tools. In this guide, we’ll break down where to seek shelter and how to recognize the signs of tornadoes. We’ll also advise you on how to stay informed, build your emergency kit and communication plan, and use portable power solutions so you can stay connected and informed during tornado-related outages.
When Is Tornado Season in Iowa?
Iowa has a busy tornado season that typically lasts from April to July. Storm frequency peaks in May and June, particularly in the southern and western parts of the state. However, tornadoes can strike in almost any month. The only months in which none have been recorded are December and January.
When is Tornado Season in Northern and Eastern Iowa
Peak tornado activity tends to shift towards June and July in Iowa's northern and eastern areas as warm, moist air flows north and collides with cooler, drier air flowing south from Canada.
How To Stay Updated on Iowa Tornado Warnings
Sign up for Alert Iowa to get local weather alerts across the state.
Listen to your local commercial radio or local television news.
Check for alerts on the National Weather Service.
Listen for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone.
Tune into NOAA Weather Radio (requires a special receiver).
Find out if your community has a tornado siren and what it sounds like.
Check for Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts.
Install a weather app on your phone.
Have an EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank to keep your phone powered up if the electricity goes out.
How To Prepare for a Tornado in Iowa
Everyone should plan ahead to prepare for emergencies, keeping themselves and their families safe for when the inevitable happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll be better prepared when the next storm strikes.
Identify Tornado Shelters and Safe Rooms
First, you should identify the nearest safe room or storm shelter according to FEMA standards, or at least close to it. Basements, cellars, and interior cement walls are ideal. It’s critical to locate one at all the locations you spend a lot of time: home, work, school, shopping malls, etc., because you typically only have 10 minutes after a warning is issued to seek shelter. You must stay inside if possible and never drive to a shelter.
Be Alert and Watch For Warning Signs
Tornadoes usually strike with little warning, so it helps to be proactive and recognize the warning signs of developing tornadoes. Seek shelter immediately if you see the following signs; do not wait for an emergency alert:
Dark skies, often with a greenish hue
A loud roar, similar to a passing freight train
Dark, low, rotating clouds
Funnel-shaped clouds
Approaching debris clouds
Prepare An Emergency Kit
Every household should have an emergency kit to help prepare for storms and other emergencies. Keep your kit in a waterproof bin in your safe room, storm shelter, or near the door if you need to leave the house to seek shelter. Ensure your kit contains the following items:
1 gallon of water per day per person for 3 days
Non-perishable food to last 3 days
Food and water for household pets to last 3 days
Complete first aid kit
Prescription drugs, if necessary
Dust masks
Soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
Emergency whistle
Rechargeable LED flashlights
Can opener, eating utensils
Multi-tool and duct tape
Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
Fire extinguisher
An EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus portable power station to keep your flashlights and essential devices charged
Create an Emergency Plan
In addition to your emergency kit, you also need a plan. An essential part of that is a family communication plan that includes who to contact in an emergency, how to contact them, what to do if family members are not home, and having a backup meeting place in case your home must be evacuated. Another critical part of your plan is practicing a yearly drill so everyone knows where to go, whether at home, work, or school. You should also go over where the emergency kit is located, what’s in it, and what to do with the contents, including some basic first aid. Your yearly drill is also a good reminder to refresh your food, water, and medical supplies and recharge your flashlights.
Ensure You Have an Emergency Power Supply
Power outages are common after even mild storms, and depending on the damage, you could be without electricity for several days. This is why a household emergency power supply is critical to keep essential appliances like refrigerators, medical equipment, and computers running. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is the best storm generator since it has 4000W output and can power 120V and 240V appliances, ensuring you have energy for your essentials. It’s also expandable with extra batteries, so you can use it as a whole-home generator.
The EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators are the best for use indoors since they use no fossil fuels and will not cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 400 people every year in the USA. They come in various capacities to suit your energy needs and come with solar panels, which will help you stay powered up during an extended outage. If you already have rooftop panels, inspect all their mounts and connections, as this can help prevent storm damage. If you use portable solar panels, wait until the storm has passed before setting them up.
What To Do When a Tornado Hits Iowa
Tornadoes are common in Iowa, so here is how to stay safe when the inevitable happens:
If you hear a tornado warning or see the signs of one developing or approaching, seek safe shelter immediately.
Stay indoors; do not get in your car and drive.
If you are in a high-rise or other building without a safe room, head to the lowest floor and find the most interior location, putting as many interior walls between you and the outside as possible.
Stay away from all doors, windows, and glass.
If available, climb into an interior closet or under a sturdy table or desk.
If you’re outdoors or in your car when you get the warning, immediately go to the nearest sturdy building and get inside. If none is available, find the lowest point in the landscape, like a ravine or ditch, and climb into it.
Get down low and cover your head and neck with your arms.
Stay tuned to emergency alerts for essential updates using one of the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to keep you powered up.
Do not yell for help if you are trapped to avoid inhaling dust. Emergency whistles are preferred; alternatively, bang on pipes or other objects that make a lot of noise.
Don’t leave your shelter unless you have a medical emergency. Road travel may be unsafe, and buildings often collapse after the fact. Also, it’s critical that you keep roads clear for emergency responders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tornadoes Common in Iowa?
Tornadoes are pretty common in Iowa, averaging 50 per year. Now that the infamous Tornado Alley has shifted eastward, southern Iowa, in particular, experiences frequent tornadoes. Residents need to stay prepared and have emergency plans in place.
Is Iowa in Danger of Tornadoes?
Yes, Iowa is always in danger of tornadoes, averaging 50 per year. Iowa occasionally has deadly tornado outbreaks and has experienced several of the most severe EF5 tornadoes that cause the most damage and threaten the most lives. Iowans should always be prepared for tornado dangers.
Final Thoughts
Iowa’s tornado season brings real and growing risks throughout the Hawkeye State, but with a solid plan in place and some emergency tools, you can weather the storm safely. Know when tornadoes are most likely, how to recognize warning signs of developing tornadoes, and how to stay informed. Prepare your emergency kit, review your family’s communication plan, know where to seek safe shelter, and don’t forget reliable backup power. The EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators are designed to keep your essential devices and appliances running without the deadly risks of gas-powered generators. Be prepared, stay safe, and you can power through any storm.