WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) – Barring a surprise storm this fall, 2013 will be a record low year for tornadoes in Iowa, with the fewest storms since comprehensive tracking began 33 years ago.  The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports 15 tornadoes tore through Iowa this year. The National Weather Service says that’s one less than the previous low of 16 set in 2012.

The weather service says Iowa’s tornado season also was the shortest on record, stretching over 38 days from a May 19 storm near Adel to a June 26 twister near Vincent.  Since comprehensive tracking began in 1980, a report by meteorologist Craig Cogil says Iowa has averaged 47 tornadoes a year.

Tornadoes in the fall are unlikely but possible. Since 1980, there have been 92 tornadoes in September, October, November and December.