Heads up! Small hail spotted in these regions: Kingsport, TN • Johnson City, TN • Huntsville, AL • Gadsden, AL • Colorado Springs, CO • Denver, COATTENTION! Damaging hail detected. Hail tracking is now active for these regions: Grand Junction, CO • Fayetteville, NC • Durham, NC • Raleigh, NC • Saint Louis, MO • Rawlins, WY • Champaign, IL • Mattoon, IL • Sebring, FL • North Port, FL • Fort Myers, FL • Tampa, FL • Hickory, NC • Charlotte, NC • Owensboro, KY • Knoxville, TN • Evansville, IN • Farmington, NM • Louisville, KY • Winston, NC • Greensboro, NC • Provo, UT • Logan, UT • Ogden, UT • Salt Lake City, UTHeads up! Small hail spotted in these regions: Kingsport, TN • Johnson City, TN • Huntsville, AL • Gadsden, AL • Colorado Springs, CO • Denver, COATTENTION! Damaging hail detected. Hail tracking is now active for these regions: Grand Junction, CO • Fayetteville, NC • Durham, NC • Raleigh, NC • Saint Louis, MO • Rawlins, WY • Champaign, IL • Mattoon, IL • Sebring, FL • North Port, FL • Fort Myers, FL • Tampa, FL • Hickory, NC • Charlotte, NC • Owensboro, KY • Knoxville, TN • Evansville, IN • Farmington, NM • Louisville, KY • Winston, NC • Greensboro, NC • Provo, UT • Logan, UT • Ogden, UT • Salt Lake City, UT
Hi folks! Stay ahead of the storm with a 48-hour severe weather outlook, precise hail alerts, and live hail tracking. Access hail insights, historical hail maps, and detailed reports across 300+ regions for better planning and fewer "uh-oh" moments. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay protected - all completely free. Hi folks! Stay ahead of the storm with a 48-hour severe weather outlook, precise hail alerts, and live hail tracking. Access hail insights, historical hail maps, and detailed reports across 300+ regions for better planning and fewer "uh-oh" moments. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay protected - all completely free.
NOAA/NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER REPORTS + U.S. CENSUS DATA
Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in Polk County, IA
Public hail, wind, and tornado reports across Polk County, IA from May 28, 1955 through September 9, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.
Example: 50023 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code
Hail Reports
662
Wind Reports
758
Tornado Reports
71
Max Hail Size
3.25″
Source NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm ReportsCoverage Polk County, IA · 1955–presentUpdated Daily · last Sep 9, 2026
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Half Dollar (1.25 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 Nw Bondurant, IA
1.50″hail
Sep 8, 2026 11:08 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Trained spotter reported largest hail around 1.5 inches and minor siding damage.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 E Ankeny, IA
0.88″hail
Sep 8, 2026 11:08 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Time estimated.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 Nw Altoona, IA
2.25″hail
Sep 8, 2026 10:53 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report of 2.25 inch hail relayed from broadcast media via email.
NWS Hail Report Location: Ankeny, IA
1.00″hail
Jul 21, 2026 2:07 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: West Des Moines, IA
1.00″hail
Jul 21, 2026 12:33 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 Sse Alleman, IA
1.00″hail
Jul 2, 2026 10:25 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 NW Polk City, IA
1.50″hail
Jul 2, 2026 9:40 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 NE Windsor Heights, IA
1.00″hail
Jul 2, 2026 9:37 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 E Urbandale, IA
1.00″hail
Jul 2, 2026 9:35 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report of 1 inch hail and 2.5 inch branches down.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 NNE Windsor Heights, IA
1.25″hail
Jul 2, 2026 9:27 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Delayed report.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 SE Windsor Heights, IA
1.00″hail
Jul 2, 2026 9:26 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 NE Windsor Heights, IA
1.00″hail
Apr 24, 2026 1:08 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 NE Saylorville, IA
1.00″hail
Apr 17, 2026 7:26 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 SSW Mitchellville, IA
1.50″hail
Apr 17, 2026 7:11 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Multiple reports across the metro of 1 to 1.5 inch hail. Time/location estimated from radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: Des Moines, IA
1.25″hail
Apr 17, 2026 7:05 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Reported by Trained Spotter.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 E Saylorville, IA
1.00″hail
Apr 17, 2026 7:04 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 SE Saylorville, IA
1.00″hail
Apr 17, 2026 6:58 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Ankeny, IA
1.00″hail
Apr 15, 2026 9:15 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Trained spotter sent a picture of a hail stone 1 inch in diameter.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 WSW Johnston, IA
1.00″hail
Mar 31, 2026 3:45 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 NNE Windsor Heights, IA
1.00″hail
Mar 31, 2026 3:17 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Ankeny, IA
1.00″hail
Mar 31, 2026 3:16 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 W Ankeny, IA
1.00″hail
May 19, 2025 9:53 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Relayed by media. Delayed report. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: Bondurant, IA
1.00″hail
May 19, 2025 9:32 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 S West Des Moines, IA
1.00″hail
May 19, 2025 9:30 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Delayed report.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N Norwalk, 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.
Wind Report Description: Received photo via social media of downed trees in neighborhood of Drake University. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 E Windsor Heights, IA
UNKmph
Sep 8, 2026 11:29 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Delayed report. Picture of large branches down. Relayed from broadcast media.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nw Des Moines, IA
UNKmph
Sep 8, 2026 11:24 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Grain silo destroyed and siding from a nearby building torn off. Time estimate via radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nnw Mitchellville, IA
UNKmph
Sep 8, 2026 11:20 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Amateur radio report of trees down near Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nw Des Moines, IA
UNKmph
Sep 8, 2026 11:19 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trained spotter reported 6 inch branch down. Also reported multiple smaller branches down. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nnw Des Moines, IA
UNKmph
Sep 8, 2026 11:18 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Relayed public image of a large oak tree significantly damaged by wind. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nw Des Moines, IA
66mph
Sep 8, 2026 11:17 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Des Moines Int Airport, IA
UNKmph
Sep 8, 2026 11:15 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Received several photos of damage from the Sherman Hill neighborhood. Damage includes downed trees and damaged road signs. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Ene Des Moines, IA
UNKmph
Sep 8, 2026 11:11 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Received photo via NWSChat of a downed tree at Sunset and 97th in Clive. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E Clive, IA
71mph
Sep 8, 2026 11:10 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Ankeny RWIS site measured a 71 MPH gust.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 Ne Ankeny, IA
68mph
Sep 8, 2026 11:02 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 Nne Ankeny, IA
75mph
Sep 8, 2026 11:00 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Measured gust from a Personal Weather Station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nw Ankeny, IA
74mph
Sep 8, 2026 10:39 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Measured gust at a Personal Weather Station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 Sse Madrid, IA
59mph
Aug 13, 2026 11:40 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Measured from personal weather station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 Sw Polk City, IA
61mph
Aug 13, 2026 11:39 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Measured from personal weather station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nw Alleman, IA
UNKmph
Jul 21, 2026 1:40 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Small commercial building had roof blown completely off. Time estimated via radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 W Pleasant Hill, IA
61mph
Jul 21, 2026 12:35 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: measured from personal weather station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 Nw Mitchellville, IA
58mph
Jul 21, 2026 12:18 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Measured from personal weather station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 W Ankeny, IA
58mph
Jul 4, 2026 7:19 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Des Moines Int Airport, IA
58mph
Jul 4, 2026 7:13 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Des Moines Int Airport, IA
UNKmph
Jul 2, 2026 9:38 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Downed tree branches and 1 inch hail.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SE Windsor Heights, IA
UNKmph
Jun 11, 2026 12:39 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Healthy medium size sugar maple tree snapped from the roots. Time estimated via radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Altoona, IA
UNKmph
Jun 11, 2026 12:30 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Received report via email of 6 inch tree limbs down. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE Saylorville, IA
UNKmph
Jun 11, 2026 12:25 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Received report of tree down blocking IA-141. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NNE Grimes, IA
UNKmph
Jun 11, 2026 12:06 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Received photo via social media of fallen tree on fence in Altoona.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SE Altoona, IA
UNKmph
May 20, 2026 12:45 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Delayed report - received photos via social media of downed tree limbs. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SSW Des Moines, IA
59mph
Apr 24, 2026 1:00 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Des Moines Int Airport, IA
UNKmph
Jul 30, 2025 8:16 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large hardwood tree uprooted - lands on home. Delayed Report. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 WNW Pleasant Hill, IA
UNKmph
Jul 25, 2025 6:50 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DELAYED REPORT: Several large tree limbs and small trees less than 6 inches in diameter down. Some shingle damage. A microburst over the northwest side of town occurred.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NNW Bondurant, IA
61mph
Jul 24, 2025 6:30 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Delayed report. Peak wind gust from the RWIS mesonet station RAKI4 Ankeny.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NE Ankeny, 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 Polk County
30 reports
UNKcategory
Apr 24, 2026 1:25 AM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Trained spotter reports tornado on the ground.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 S Mitchellville, IA
UNKcategory
Jul 15, 2024 10:43 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tree and outbuilding damage.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 NNE Windsor Heights, IA
UNKcategory
Jul 15, 2024 10:38 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Brief tornado report by Polk County DPS.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 S Grimes, IA
UNKcategory
May 24, 2024 9:55 AM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: NWS damage survey identified damage consistent with an EF0 tornado that tracked from southern into eastern portions of Johnston from 453 AM to 457 AM.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 E Johnston, IA
UNKcategory
May 21, 2024 10:00 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Corrects previous tstm wnd dmg report from 2 NW Elkhart. Spotter reports major damage to homes/barns in area. Reported vicinity address 14790 NE 38th ST.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 NW Elkhart, IA
UNKcategory
May 21, 2024 9:55 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Corrects previous tornado report from 2 NW Elkhart. Corrects previous tstm wnd dmg report from 2 NW Elkhart. Spotter reports major damage to homes/barns in area. Reported vicinity address 14790 NE 38th ST. . Estimated time that damage occurred from radar.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 NW Elkhart, IA
UNKcategory
May 21, 2024 9:40 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: damage just south of Alleman.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 S Alleman, IA
UNKcategory
May 21, 2024 9:40 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: rain wrapped.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 SE Polk City, IA
UNKcategory
Apr 27, 2024 1:59 AM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Power flashes reported near Pleasant Hill. TDS also noted on radar.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Pleasant Hill, IA
UNKcategory
Apr 27, 2024 1:56 AM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Reported by General Public.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 SE Des Moines, IA
UNKcategory
Apr 27, 2024 1:54 AM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Structure damage to a home with possible injury.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 NW Pleasant Hill, IA
UNKcategory
Mar 6, 2022 12:21 AM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: EMERGENCY MANAGER REPORT OF MULTIPLE HOUSES IN AREA LEVELED VIA NWSCHAT.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 ESE Pleasant Hill, IA
UNKcategory
May 25, 2020 11:26 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: TORNADO BEGAN NEAR TERRA PARK AND ENDED NEAR DEWEY PARK IN JOHNSTON... IOWA. ESTIMATED PEAK WIND OF 95 MPH WITH DAMAGE TO MULTIPLE LARGE TREES AND POWER LINES. NO DAMAGE TO ANY BUILDINGS. MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH OF 50 YARDS WITH A PATH LENGTH OF 1.6 MILES.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 ESE Johnston, IA
UNKcategory
Jul 19, 2018 8:12 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: TREES DOWNED. ROOF BLOWN OFF HOUSE. CAR BLOWN OVER.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Bondurant, IA
UNKcategory
Jul 19, 2018 8:10 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: NEAR NE 118TH ST...NORTH AND EAST OF BONDURANT.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Bondurant, IA
UNKcategory
Jul 19, 2018 7:58 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: HIGHWAY 65 AND JUST NORTH OF BONDURANT.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 N Bondurant, IA
UNKcategory
Jul 19, 2018 7:58 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: METEOROLOGIST REPORTS MACHINE SHED DESTROYED WITH PINE TREES/POWER LINES OVER THE ROAD NEAR THIS LOCATION. TIME ESTIMATED.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 NNE Bondurant, IA
UNKcategory
Jul 19, 2018 7:58 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: SEVERAL REPORTS OF THIS TORNADO.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 NNE Bondurant, IA
UNKcategory
Jul 19, 2018 7:48 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 ENE Ankeny, IA
EF0category
Nov 11, 2015 3:27 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado observed by official observer at the Des Moines airport. Tornado tracked across the airfield before entering a housing area north of the airport. Semi trailers were turned over at the airport with numerous large tree limbs downed in the neighborhoods north of the airport.
NWS Tornado Report Location: .85 SSW (Dsm)Des Moines Intl, IA
EF1category
May 19, 2013 6:07 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado exhibited an intermittent track as it moved across northern Polk County into Story County. Peak damage included garage and a living room roof removed from a manufactured home. Tornado continued into Story County.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3.1 NW Alleman, IA
EF1category
Jul 27, 2008 3:34 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Numerous trees were downed with two houses damaged. Part of one house was in the trees.
NWS Tornado Report Location: .86 SW Farrar, IA
EF1category
Oct 2, 2007 3:40 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado took down power lines and power poles were snapped at 13th Street and Mulberry. The public reported a flipped car at SW 6th Street and Mulberry.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.34 SSW Des Moines, IA
F0category
Apr 2, 2006 4:31 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Brief tornado touchdown in open fields.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 N Runnells, IA
F0category
Sep 5, 2004 7:51 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado made a brief touchtown in open country.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 8 E Elkhart, IA
F0category
May 22, 2004 8:06 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Intermittent touchdown in fields west of Alleman.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 W Alleman, IA
F1category
Apr 18, 2002 5:50 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado tracked over open country for the most part. Some outbuildings were damaged, along with power lines.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 NW Bondurant, IA
F0category
Apr 18, 2002 5:49 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado touched down briefly in onepn area north of town.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 N Altoona, IA
F1category
Sep 6, 2001 2:34 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado touched down on southwest edge of West Des Moines at the Glen Oaks Golf Club and swept into an apartment complex. Track was intermittent following the destruction of a garage unit there.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 SW West Des Moines, IA
F0category
Jul 24, 2001 3:36 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, IA
Polk County · 134,175 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Brief touchdown in field south of town.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 5 S West Des Moines, IA
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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 Polk County on the Interactive Map
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Address-level hail history. 100% free. No phone or email required.
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 Polk County
Not sure if hail may have affected your home in Polk 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.
How many hail, wind, and tornado reports does Polk County have on record?
Our records show 662 hail, 758 wind, and 71 tornado reports in Polk County, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on September 9, 2026.
What is the largest hail ever reported in Polk County?
The largest hail size in these storm-report records in Polk County is 3.25″. It was reported near Windsor Heights, IA on July 9, 2021.
A storm report showed up near my home in Polk 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 Polk County and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.
I am buying a home in Polk 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 Polk County address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.
I am selling a home in Polk 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 Polk County address?
Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in Polk 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 Polk County, IA, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in Polk 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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