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HailGeeks
NOAA/NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER REPORTS + U.S. CENSUS DATA

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in Howard County, IA

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports across Howard County, IA from July 31, 1955 through July 8, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 52136 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
96
Wind Reports
105
Tornado Reports
38
Max Hail Size
3.50″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  Howard County, IA · 1955–present Updated  Daily · last Jul 8, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in Howard County

30 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
Jul 8, 2026
10:49 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 6 NE Mcintire, IA
1.00″ hail
Apr 27, 2026
9:31 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N Lourdes, IA
2.75″ hail
Apr 14, 2026
10:15 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Time estimated via radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: Saratoga, IA
2.75″ hail
Apr 14, 2026
10:09 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Elma, IA
3.50″ hail
Apr 14, 2026
9:56 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Elma, IA
1.00″ hail
Sep 19, 2024
10:24 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Delayed report. Public reported quarter sized hail southeast of Riceville. Noted damage to crops from the hail.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 SSE Riceville, IA
1.00″ hail
Jun 26, 2020
5:25 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Lime Springs, IA
1.00″ hail
Jun 27, 2019
5:35 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: .
NWS Hail Report Location: Elma, IA
1.00″ hail
Jun 27, 2019
5:30 PM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Hail Report Location: 7 NE Elma, IA
1.00″ hail
Apr 14, 2018
2:08 AM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Cresco, IA
1.00″ hail
Mar 7, 2017
1:25 AM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 ESE New Haven, IA
1.00″ hail
Mar 7, 2017
1:15 AM UTC
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Riceville, IA
0.75″ hail
Nov 11, 2015
4:00 PM CST-6
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Lime Spgs, IA
1.25″ hail
Jun 22, 2015
5:48 AM CST-6
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Half dollar sized hail was reported near Cresco.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Cresco, IA
0.75″ hail
Aug 18, 2014
2:18 PM CST-6
Hail report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .5 E Cresco Muni Arpt, IA
Showing 15 of 30
Hail Damage Risk for Your Home +

Hail reports describe hail by diameter, often comparing stone size to familiar objects like peas, quarters, golf balls, and softballs. Use this guide as a starting point for possible hail damage to your roof, siding, gutters, vents, windows, and exterior. Actual hail damage depends on hail hardness, density, wind speed, impact angle, roof age, shingle condition, roof pitch, roofing material, installation quality, and prior storm damage.

Pea
0.25″
Low

Usually too small to cause hail damage to most sound asphalt roofs, siding, or gutters.

Mothball
0.50″
Sub-Severe Watch

Below the NWS severe-hail threshold, but not always harmless. Repeated small hail can scuff surfaces, wear aging shingles, and loosen protective granules over time.

Penny
0.75″
Minor / Watch

Below the NWS severe-hail threshold, but roof hail damage is still possible on older, brittle, poorly installed, or previously damaged shingles. May also mark screens, vents, gutters, and soft metal.

Nickel
0.88″
Minor / Watch

Still below the severe-hail threshold, but large enough to leave visible marks on soft metal and add wear to older or hail-weakened roof shingles.

Quarter
1.00″
Watch

The NWS severe-hail threshold. Quarter-size hail can bruise shingles, dent soft metal, and create roof hail damage worth checking.

Half Dollar
1.25″
Watch

More likely to dent gutters, vents, flashing, and siding. Hail damage risk rises quickly on older roofs or hail-weakened shingles.

Ping Pong / Walnut
1.50″
Likely

Hail damage becomes more likely, including bruised shingles, granule loss, dented siding, and damaged roof vents.

Golf Ball
1.75″
Likely

Often causes roof hail damage, cracked shingles, dented gutters, damaged flashing, and siding impacts. A roof inspection is recommended.

Hen Egg
2.00″
Serious

Can crack or puncture shingles, expose mat, dent siding, and cause widespread hail damage across the roof and exterior.

Tennis Ball
2.50″
Serious

Can cause heavy roof hail damage, punctured siding, broken skylights, damaged vents, and widespread exterior damage.

Baseball
2.75″
Major

Major hail damage is likely, including severe roof impacts, damaged siding, broken windows, and possible major roof repairs.

Tea Cup / Large Apple
3.00″
Major

Can cause heavy hail damage across the roof, siding, gutters, windows, and exterior. Significant repairs are often needed.

Softball
4.00″
Extreme

Destructive hail damage. Can severely damage roofing materials, siding, windows, gutters, vents, vehicles, and exterior surfaces.

Grapefruit
4.50″
Extreme

Catastrophic hail damage risk for roofs, windows, vehicles, siding, gutters, and exterior surfaces.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service hail size references are used for hail-size comparisons and the 1.00″ severe-hail threshold. Damage descriptions are general homeowner guidance, not official NOAA/NWS damage ratings. Sub-severe hail under 1.00″ is below the severe threshold, but that does not mean “no roof damage.” Penny- to nickel-size hail can still contribute to granule loss, cosmetic surface marks, and added wear, especially on older, brittle, poorly installed, or previously damaged roofs.

Latest NWS Wind Reports in Howard County

30 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Jul 8, 2026
11:04 PM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Social media report of a few large limbs down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 S Saratoga, IA
UNK mph
Jul 8, 2026
10:13 PM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Social media report of a tree down across street from library... which took out power.
NWS Wind Report Location: Cresco, IA
60 mph
Jul 29, 2025
5:00 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Cresco, IA
UNK mph
Jul 3, 2025
12:39 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A couple large tree branches downed.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 ESE Chester, IA
UNK mph
Aug 30, 2024
12:30 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Dispatch reported of power poles down in Lime Springs and numerous instances of wind damage in Howard County.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 ESE Lime Springs, IA
UNK mph
Aug 30, 2024
12:15 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Power lines reported down in Elma.
NWS Wind Report Location: Elma, IA
UNK mph
Aug 6, 2024
2:30 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Fallen tree on roadway. Time estimated via radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NNW Lourdes, IA
60 mph
Jun 12, 2024
7:18 PM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Dispatch reports fire department had estimated 60 mph winds east of Elma and spotted a possible funnel cloud.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 E Elma, IA
UNK mph
Jun 4, 2024
11:30 PM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Phone line blow down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NW Lime Springs, IA
UNK mph
Jun 4, 2024
10:52 PM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Powerline blown down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 SSE Riceville, IA
58 mph
May 31, 2022
5:25 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MESONET STATION FW5287 SARATOGA.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SSW Saratoga, IA
69 mph
May 31, 2022
5:21 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MESONET STATION EW4652 RICEVILLE.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 W Saratoga, IA
62 mph
May 31, 2022
2:32 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MESONET STATION FW5287 SARATOGA.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SSW Saratoga, IA
UNK mph
May 31, 2022
2:25 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: POWER LINES REPORTED DOWN BETWEEN ELMA AND RICEVILLE.
NWS Wind Report Location: Elma, IA
UNK mph
Dec 16, 2021
1:37 AM UTC
Wind report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: POWER OUTAGES REPORTED.
NWS Wind Report Location: Cresco, IA
Showing 15 of 30
Wind Damage Risk for Your Home +

Storm reports list thunderstorm wind gusts in mph. The NWS marks storms as severe at 58+ mph, but wind damage to your home depends on roof age, shingle condition, installation, exposure, nearby trees, and prior hail or wind damage.

Below Severe
Under 58 mph
Minor

Usually little damage to a sound roof, but loose shingles, flashing, or debris may shift.

Severe
58–74 mph
Watch

Can loosen shingles, lift flashing, break limbs, and damage gutters, siding, fences, or trim.

Damaging
75–90 mph
Serious

Can peel shingles, damage vents, tear siding, rip gutters, and expose weak roof areas.

Extreme
90+ mph
Major

Can cause major roof covering loss, tree damage, broken windows, and structural damage.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service storm reports. Gusts may be measured or estimated; actual wind damage varies by roof condition, exposure, and prior hail or wind damage.

Latest NWS Tornado Reports in Howard County

30 reports
UNK category
Apr 17, 2026
7:47 PM UTC
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: *** 1 INJ *** This tornado developed northwest of Saratoga and tracked northeast... damaging one outbuilding during its existence... supporting an EF0 rating with maximum estimated winds of 85 mph. The tornado was witnessed and photographed by multiple individuals. The tornado rolled a truck... with the driver suffering minor injuries. Information on this tornado was relayed by Emergency Management.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 WNW Saratoga, IA
UNK category
Apr 17, 2026
7:47 PM UTC
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: *** 1 INJ *** Tornado confirmed via photos from Riceville firefighter. One house reported damaged. A box truck was also directly hit by the tornado and forced into a ditch. The driver appeared to have minor injuries.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 NNW Saratoga, IA
UNK category
Apr 17, 2026
7:47 PM UTC
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: *** 1 INJ *** Tornado confirmed via photos from Riceville firefighter. One house reported damaged. A box truck was also directly hit by the tornado and forced into a ditch. The driver appeared to have minor injuries.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 NNW Saratoga, IA
UNK category
Apr 13, 2022
4:13 AM UTC
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: EF-0. A TORNADO CAUSED DAMAGE TO TREES ON A 0.4 MILE PATH.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 SSE Saratoga, IA
UNK category
May 27, 2019
6:50 PM UTC
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: CORRECTS PREVIOUS TORNADO REPORT FROM LIME SPRINGS. TORNADO NEAR LIME SPRINGS WITH ROOF... HOME... TREE DAMAGE. POWER LINES DOWN. HOUSE TO HOUSE SEARCHES BEING CONDUCTED. DID NOT GO DIRECTLY THROUGH TOWN.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Lime Springs, IA
UNK category
May 27, 2019
6:28 PM UTC
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: TORNADO ON GROUND NEAR 180TH STREET JUST NORTH OF ELMA MOVING SLOWLY NORTH.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Elma, IA
UNK category
Jul 19, 2017
10:15 PM UTC
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: DRONE FOOTAGE OF 0.70 MILE LONG... 20 YD WIDE TORNADO TRACK IN CORN. TIME ESTIMATED VIA RADAR. ON THE GROUND FOR ABOUT A 1 MINUTE. ESTIMATED WINDS OF UP TO 80 MPH...EF0.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 SSW Saratoga, IA
UNK category
Jul 19, 2017
10:15 PM UTC
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: DRONE FOOTAGE OF 0.70 MILE LONG... 20 YD WIDE TORNADO TRACK IN CORN. TIME ESTIMATED VIA RADAR. ON THE GROUND FOR ABOUT A 1 MINUTE.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 SSW Saratoga, IA
EF0 category
Aug 31, 2014
9:12 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado had a narrow path that stayed mostly in fields. Crossed one farmstead with little damage. Tornado was found using high resolution satellite imagery.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2.69 NNW Lourdes, IA
EF0 category
Aug 31, 2014
9:08 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Longer path that was tight at many points. Trees damaged at a farmstead. Widened out at the end. Tornado found using high resolution satellite imagery.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2.27 NNE Elma, IA
EF2 category
May 22, 2011
1:33 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: This tornado first caused some damage about 3 miles north of State Highway 9 north of Riceville. The tornado almost immediately strengthen 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 were loss power as a result of the storms. Damages were estimated to be around $500 thousand.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3.92 NE Riceville, IA
EF0 category
Aug 19, 2009
2:50 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: An aerial crop assessment survey determined a brief tornado touched down in the middle of a corn field between Elma and Saratoga in rural Howard County, IA.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.54 SSE Saratoga, IA
F0 category
Jul 5, 2004
4:40 PM CST
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 NW Protivin, IA
F0 category
Jun 16, 2004
1:48 PM CST
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Riceville, IA
F0 category
Jun 16, 2004
12:55 PM CST
Tornado report for Howard County, IA
Howard County · 3,918 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Davis Corners, IA
Showing 15 of 30
Tornado Damage Risk for Your Home +

After a tornado, the National Weather Service assigns an EF rating from EF0 to EF5 based on surveyed damage. The rating estimates wind speed from what the tornado damaged, so actual damage can vary by construction quality, roof age, garage doors, windows, trees, debris, and how close the home was to the tornado path.

EF0
65–85 mph
Light

Can peel shingles, damage gutters or siding, break tree limbs, and toss loose outdoor items.

EF1
86–110 mph
Moderate

Can strip roof covering, damage exterior doors, break windows, snap trees, and cause heavier siding or gutter damage.

EF2
111–135 mph
Serious

Can tear off large sections of roofing, break or uproot trees, destroy weaker structures, and cause major exterior damage.

EF3–EF5
136+ mph
Severe

Can remove roofs and walls, destroy large portions of homes, toss vehicles, and cause severe to total destruction near the path.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service. EF ratings are assigned after a post-storm damage survey and are based on observed damage, not a direct measurement at every home.

NWS Hail, Wind and Tornado Reports in Howard County on the Interactive Map

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Hail
Wind
Tornado

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Browse Cities with NWS Storm Reports in Howard County

Cresco, IA 75
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Lime Springs, IA 46
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Elma, IA 41
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Riceville, IA 35
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Protivin, IA 18
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Chester, IA 17
Hail, wind & tornado reports

NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · County

Howard County, IA area census snapshot

People & households
Population9,459
Households3,672
Housing units4,314
Income
Median household income$67,336
$100k+ households40.6%
$150k+ households10.0%
Housing stock
Single-family detached3,918
Attached single-family73
Small multifamily198
Large multifamily80
Mobile homes45
Housing mix
Single-family share90.8%
Attached-home share1.7%
Multifamily share6.4%
Mobile-home share1.0%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied2,813
Renter-occupied859
Vacant units642
Home value & age
Median home value$133,900
Owner homes $300k+14.8%
Owner homes $500k+5.4%
Owner homes $750k+2.2%
Median year built1954
Older-home share77.1%
Vehicle context
Households with cars3,471
Free hail maps

This snapshot is for local area context only and describes the selected state, county, city, or ZIP area — not a specific home or property. For ZIP-level estimated hail impact, use Free Hail Maps to generate a hail report with key impact details for that ZIP.

Top ZIP Codes with NWS Storm Reports in Howard County

52136 108
Cresco, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
52132 51
Calmar, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
52155 49
Lime Springs, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
50466 40
Riceville, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
50628 38
Elma, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
50603 23
Alta Vista, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
52154 17
Lawler, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
52134 13
Chester, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports
52163 7
Protivin, IA Hail, wind & tornado reports

Get a Remote Hail Inspection

Not sure if hail may have affected your home in Howard County? Ask a local pro for a Remote Hail Inspection. They can review hail activity for your property and help you decide whether an in-person roof or exterior inspection makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

for homeowners, buyers & sellers
How many hail, wind, and tornado reports does Howard County have on record?

Our records show 96 hail, 105 wind, and 38 tornado reports in Howard County, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on July 8, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in Howard County?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in Howard County is 3.50″. It was reported near Elma, IA on April 14, 2026.

A storm report showed up near my home in Howard County — does that mean my roof is damaged?

Not necessarily. A storm report only means hail, wind, or a tornado was observed nearby; it does not confirm damage at any specific address, and conditions change from block to block. Check an address-level hail report first, and if it looks significant, find a local pro that serves Howard County and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in Howard County — why should I look at its storm history?

Recent hail or wind can leave a roof or exterior with damage that is easy to miss during a walkthrough, and a recent roof replacement is sometimes an insurance job after a storm. Reviewing the storm history for a Howard County address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in Howard County — how does this help me?

Knowing the storm history for your address lets you answer buyer questions with confidence, document repairs you have already made, and decide whether a pre-listing roof check is worthwhile. A clear hail history removes a common sticking point during negotiations.

How do I check hail history for a specific Howard County address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in Howard County — no phone number or email required. It shows recent hail activity for that address so you know whether a closer roof or exterior review makes sense.

Where does this storm report data come from, and what are its limits?

Storm reports on this page are public reports from storm events across Howard County, IA, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in Howard County, but they do not confirm damage at any specific property. Report locations, sizes, and times may be approximate and can vary from what an individual home experienced. For property-specific hail history, use an address-level hail report or contact a participating local professional for a remote hail inspection. Pros inclusion is not an endorsement, and contacting a professional does not confirm damage at any property.

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