Hail and tornadoes in Story County, IA

Since October 2020, radar estimated hail somewhere in Story County, IA on 100 days. The biggest estimate: 3 in or larger (teacup), on Tue, Jul 9, 2024. Hail was reported to the National Weather Service inside the county on 18 days.

Still loading: radar estimates go back to Wed, Oct 14, 2020, and the earlier years are being added.

Days with hail

101

since October 2020

1 inch or larger

days, estimated or reported

Largest radar estimate

3+ in

Tue, Jul 9, 2024

Largest reported

2.75 in

Mon, Jul 20, 2026

Radar estimates are NOAA's MESH: the largest hail the radar estimates aloft, on cells about 0.7 mile across, shown as the lower bound of a size band (“1.5+”). They often run larger than what reached the ground, and they aren't evidence of damage at any address.

Radar-estimated hail on Tue, Jul 9, 2024 around the place, with the hail reported that day — Tue, Jul 9, 2024: radar-estimated hail around Story County, IA, with the hail reported that day.

Hail on record since 1955

NOAA's Storm Events database lists 293 hail reports in Story County, IA on 97 days, 27 of them 2 inches or larger. The largest: 5.5 in, near Slater, on Sat, May 22, 2004.

By decade: 1990s: 19 · 2000s: 98 · 2010s: 97 · 2020s: 79

Tornadoes since 1950

32 tornadoes have touched Story County, IA since 1950, none of them rated F3/EF3 or stronger. They killed 0 and injured 13.

Strongest

Tue, May 21, 2024 · EF2 · 23.29 mi long, 1,000 yd wide · near Cambridge · 2 injuries
Sat, Nov 12, 2005 · F2 · 9 mi long, 100 yd wide · near Ames · 1 injury
Sun, Jun 7, 2015 · EF1 · 0.92 mi long, 35 yd wide · near Ames Airport
Sat, Nov 12, 2005 · F1 · 4 mi long, 75 yd wide · near Roland
Thu, Sep 8, 2005 · F1 · 0.7 mi long, 75 yd wide · near Ames · 8 injuries

Most recent

Sat, Jul 19, 2025 · EFU · 2.19 mi long, 40 yd wide · near Gilbert
Tue, May 21, 2024 · EF2 · 23.29 mi long, 1,000 yd wide · near Cambridge · 2 injuries
Sat, Apr 23, 2022 · EF0 · 0.68 mi long, 60 yd wide · near Kelley
Thu, Jul 19, 2018 · EF0 · 2.48 mi long, 40 yd wide · near Collins
Thu, Jul 19, 2018 · EF0 · 2.79 mi long, 60 yd wide · near Roland
Thu, Jul 19, 2018 · EF0 · 2.07 mi long, 40 yd wide · near Story City
Tue, May 29, 2018 · EF0 · 0.3 mi long, 30 yd wide · near Ames
Mon, Aug 21, 2017 · EF0 · 1.08 mi long, 10 yd wide · near Midvale
Mon, Aug 21, 2017 · EF0 · 1.37 mi long, 80 yd wide · near Kelley
Mon, Mar 6, 2017 · EF0 · 5.34 mi long, 85 yd wide · near Gilbert

By decade: 1990s: 5 · 2000s: 12 · 2010s: 12 · 2020s: 3

Still loading: NOAA's record goes back to 1950, and 1995 onward is in so far.

Every hail day since October 2020

Tue, Sep 15, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Aug 11, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Aug 4, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Jul 20, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 2 in or larger (hen egg)
Reported in the county
- 2.5 in (2 NNE Roland, IA)
- 2.75 in (1 NE Story City, IA)
Fri, Jul 3, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Jul 2, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Jun 16, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Jun 11, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Jun 10, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, May 18, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Apr 17, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
Reported in the county
- 1 in (Collins, IA)
Wed, Apr 15, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
Reported in the county
- 1.75 in (3 SSE Nevada, IA)
- 2 in (1 SW Mccallsburg, IA)
- 1.5 in (2 SE Gilbert, IA)
- 1.25 in (Story City, IA)
- 1 in (Collins, IA)
Fri, Mar 6, 2026
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Aug 18, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Aug 17, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Aug 15, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sat, Aug 9, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Aug 6, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Jul 29, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Jul 28, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 2 in or larger (hen egg)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Jul 27, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Jul 23, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Jul 18, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Jun 23, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Jun 19, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Jun 15, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, May 19, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
Reported in the county
- 1 in (Maxwell, IA)
- 1 in (1 E Zearing, IA)
Mon, Apr 28, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Apr 22, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
Reported in the county
- 1.5 in (Nevada, IA)
- 1.25 in (1 S Nevada, IA)
Tue, Mar 18, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
Reported in the county
- 1.25 in (1 NE Ames, IA)
Fri, Mar 14, 2025
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
Reported in the county
- 1.5 in (3 WNW Ames, IA)
Thu, Oct 10, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Sep 19, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Jul 30, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Jul 23, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Jul 22, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Jul 15, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 2 in or larger (hen egg)
Reported in the county
- 1 in (Colo, IA)
Wed, Jul 10, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Jul 9, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 3 in or larger (teacup)
No hail reported in the county.
Sat, Jul 6, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
Reported in the county
- 1 in (1 N Zearing, IA)
Wed, Jun 26, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sat, May 25, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, May 23, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
Reported in the county
- 1.25 in (4 SSW Nevada, IA)
Tue, May 21, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, May 8, 2024
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
Reported in the county
- 1 in (3 WSW Story City, IA)
Tue, Apr 30, 2024
Reported in the county
- 1 in (3 W Ames, IA)
Wed, Oct 11, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Sep 19, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Aug 24, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Aug 23, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Aug 22, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Aug 10, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Jul 30, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Jul 16, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Jul 12, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Jul 11, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sat, Jun 17, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, May 7, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 2 in or larger (hen egg)
Reported in the county
- 1 in (3 S MCCALLSBURG, IA)
- 2.5 in (3 NNW AMES, IA)
- 1.75 in (COLLINS, IA)
Wed, Apr 19, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 2 in or larger (hen egg)
Reported in the county
- 1.25 in (3 E AMES, IA)
- 1 in (2 NW COLLINS, IA)
- 1.5 in (HUXLEY, IA)
Tue, Apr 4, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Apr 2, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Mar 31, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 2 in or larger (hen egg)
Reported in the county
- 1.75 in (2 W AMES, IA)
- 1 in (1 S STORY CITY, IA)
Sun, Feb 12, 2023
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Oct 3, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 3 in or larger (teacup)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Sep 19, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Sep 18, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sat, Sep 17, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sat, Aug 27, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Aug 11, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 2 in or larger (hen egg)
Reported in the county
- 1.25 in (1 NNW ZEARING, IA)
Mon, Aug 1, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Jul 25, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Jul 22, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Jul 10, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Jul 1, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Jun 30, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Jun 24, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Jun 16, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Jun 15, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 3 in or larger (teacup)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Jun 14, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
Reported in the county
- 1 in (5 E GILBERT, IA)
Mon, Jun 13, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 2 in or larger (hen egg)
No hail reported in the county.
Sat, May 14, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, May 8, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Jan 10, 2022
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Dec 26, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Oct 18, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Oct 8, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sat, Sep 25, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Sep 12, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Aug 26, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Aug 24, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Mon, Aug 9, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Sun, Aug 8, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Tue, Jul 20, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Jul 14, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Jun 24, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Fri, Jun 18, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Jun 16, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1.5 in or larger (ping-pong ball)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Mar 17, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Wed, Mar 3, 2021
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 1 in or larger (quarter)
No hail reported in the county.
Thu, Oct 22, 2020
Radar estimate anywhere in the county: 0.75 in or larger (penny)
Reported in the county
- 1 in (MAXWELL, IA)

Check your own address →Weather in Story County, IA now →Get warned before the next storm →

Radar estimates and reports are for anywhere inside the county's boundary. Radar estimates come from NOAA's MRMS estimated hail size (MESH), the largest hail the radar estimates aloft on a ~1 km grid. They often run larger than the hail that reached the ground, and they aren't an observation at any address. Reports are what people reported to the National Weather Service. Neither is proof of damage or an official record for an insurance claim. From NOAA's Storm Events Database (NCEI), which records tornadoes from 1950, hail and thunderstorm wind from 1955, and every kind of storm from 1996. A tornado that crossed county lines is counted in each county it touched. Recent months are added as NCEI publishes them, a few months behind. Damage is in the dollars of its year and is often an estimate.