There are a lot of reasons to love living in Iowa. We’re the best in the nation in all sort of categories like education, infrastructure, and healthcare. In fact, earlier this year, Iowa Was Named Number One In The Nation Thanks To All These Things. Recently, we made another nationally ranked list, although this time it was to talk about how the worst weather in Iowa is also some of the worst weather in America. Read below to find out a little more.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that Polk County not only has the worst weather in Iowa, but some of the worst weather in the entire country.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Recently, a study was released that shows Polk County as the third worst county in America - weather wise.
Over the course of 10 years, Polk County averaged 90 severe weather incidents, coming in just behind Albany County, Wyoming (133) and Sedwick County, Kansas (100).
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
At least we don't live in Wyoming, right? In Iowa, most of the severe events were related to Thunderstorm wind (28.6 events per year). You can't forget hail, which frequently damages property... as we all know. There are an average of 21.8 hail events each year. Along with all of this comes heavy rain - which was bad enough 20.1 times each year to be labeled as severe.

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All of this stormy weather causes Polk County to flood like mad!
Flickr / Michel Ngilen
It's always a good idea to keep an eye on weather alerts and have an emergency kit ready to go. You should have flashlights, a battery powered radio (and extra batteries), as well as important documents and first aid supplies in your "go-bag", especially if you live in a flood prone area.
Iowa's worst floods have gone down as some of the most costly natural disasters in American history.
Flickr / Josh More
Unfortunately, seeing Saylorville Lake like this is becoming more and more common.
Luckily, Polk County doesn't have to worry about many blizzard warnings each year, though we have been known to get plenty of snow!
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
Oh, and when that snow melts... we have more flooding. So maybe we don't get so lucky with the snow, after all!

If you’re ready for thunderstorm season to be over, you’re in luck! Cooler temps mean winter is on its way, and then we’ll get to enjoy all of the wonder of Iowa’s most beautiful season – winter. If you’re new to the Hawkeye State, you might want to read 10 Things No One Tells You About Surviving An Iowa Winter before you wish this damp and muddy Fall away for good!

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