Whats the most devastating tornado iowa has ever had?

Question

Whats the most devastating tornado iowa has ever had?

Answer 1

The three that come to mind are the Grinnell tornado of 1882, the Comanche tornado of 1860, and the Pomeroy tornado of 1893. The Comanche tornado is listed as causing the most deaths of 134 but the number is disputed and likely is not accurate. The Grinnell tornado of 1882 lists 100 fatalities and the Pomeroy tornado 89.

Since the Grinnell tornado was by far the best documented at the time, it often is referred to as the most devastating.

As far as shear power, I suggest you look at the Jordon (also referred to as the Story County tornado but there were several that day in that area) tornado of June 1976. It didn't have any fatalities but caused some of the most amazing damage ever seen in Iowa.

Answer 2

You can look this up on the US Weather Service website.  It can give you a history of tornados in a state.