The May 24, 1989 tornado

F4Tama, Hamilton, Story, Hardin and Marshall counties, Iowa

An F4 tornado on a 66.0-mile path. It was one of 31 tornadoes recorded in the U.S. that day, 2 of them rated F3/EF3 or stronger.

Watch how it happened

F4 tornado · May 24, 1989

How it happened

Follow the tornado’s path, minute by minute.

About this replay

Local time (CST)—Historical replay — logged times

Distance—of 66.0 miles

Now in—

RatingF4

Path milestones

Damage pathWidened for visibility; recorded maximum width 150 yards

TownsSized by population today; those within 3 miles flash as it passes

Counties on the pathLit as the tornado enters them

Source: Storm Prediction Center path, drawn through NOAA Storm Events county segments. Times as logged by the National Weather Service. Towns are today’s Census places.

The tornado

Rating: F4; Fujita scale
Path length: 66.0 mi; Width up to 150 yards
Killed: 0; Along the whole path
Injured: 0; Along the whole path
Date and time: Wednesday, May 24, 1989; 5:20 PM CST
That day: 31; tornadoes in the U.S.; more on this date

Counties on its path

Other notable tornadoes that day

F4, Adams County49 mi

Storm Prediction Center severe weather database. Path drawn as a straight line from the recorded start to end point.