Tornadoes Confirmed Across Eastern Iowa

National Weather Service surveys find multiple twisters touched down during severe storms.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:54am

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The National Weather Service Quad Cities office has confirmed at least two tornadoes struck eastern Iowa during severe storms on Thursday, April 2nd. One tornado traveled over 18 miles through Clinton and Jackson counties, damaging outbuildings, homes, and infrastructure in the small town of Preston. Another brief tornado formed between Iowa City and West Liberty, causing damage to farm structures. The NWS said additional short-lived tornadoes likely formed in the region and that damage surveys would continue through the weekend.

Why it matters

Tornadoes can cause significant property damage and pose a serious threat to public safety, especially in rural areas with fewer storm shelters and emergency resources. This outbreak highlights the need for continued storm monitoring and preparedness efforts in Iowa, which experiences some of the highest tornado activity in the United States.

The details

According to the NWS, the first tornado traveled over 18 miles through Clinton and Jackson counties, hitting the town of Preston. This EF-1 twister with peak winds of 105 mph damaged numerous outbuildings and sheds, tore shingles off homes, and snapped trees and utility poles. An earlier, brief EF-0 tornado with 80 mph winds formed between Iowa City and West Liberty, lofting a corn crib, destroying part of a farm outbuilding's roof, and bending an auger. The NWS said additional short-lived tornadoes likely formed in the region and that damage surveys would continue.

  • The tornadoes struck eastern Iowa late Thursday afternoon, April 2, 2026.
  • The first tornado lasted 18 minutes.
  • The second tornado formed an hour earlier than the first.

The players

National Weather Service Quad Cities

The regional office of the National Weather Service that conducted damage surveys and confirmed the tornadoes in eastern Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“More short-lived tornadoes likely formed back into Washington County and that damage surveys would continue through the weekend.”

— National Weather Service Quad Cities

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue assessing damage and surveying the area over the coming days to determine if additional tornadoes touched down.

The takeaway

This tornado outbreak serves as a reminder of the severe weather threats facing Iowa communities and the importance of having robust storm monitoring and emergency response systems in place to protect public safety.