EF3 Tornado — Keokuk, Iowa

2023-03-31 · near Martinsburg, Keokuk, Iowa

Event narrative

A large violent tornado developed in Wapello County (see NWS Des Moines Storm Data) and tracked into Keokuk County about 1 mile southeast of Martinsburg on Wapello-Keokuk Road. The tornado continued to the northeast before lifting just north of Highway 92, southwest of Keota. The tornado produced EF-3 damage to a house northeast of Martinsburg, and caused additional significant damage to farmsteads and outbuildings. The tornado was on the ground in Keokuk County for about 17 miles, with a maximum width of 1000 yards and peak estimated winds of 150 MPH.

Wider weather episode

A very strong system developed on the morning of March 31st and tracked across the state of Iowa. This system pulled unseasonably warm and moist air into the Midwest, which combined with a very favorable wind profile to create a volatile environment for severe thunderstorms. Discrete supercell thunderstorms occurred initially, but quickly transitioned into a QLCS mode. This system produced a historic tornado outbreak for the area, with a record 29 tornadoes on the day, including 13 rated EF-2, 1 rated EF-3, and 1 rated EF-4. This was the first EF-4 tornado in the NWS Quad Cities service area since 1995. 11 injuries were reported, with no known fatalities. In addition to the numerous tornadoes, there were many large hail and damaging wind reports. Maximum straight line thunderstorm winds were estimated at 80 to 90 mph.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (41.1600, -92.2300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1087052. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.