<p>How frequent/numerous are tornadoes in that part of the country? Any other weather quirks of note? I'm from Upstate New York; snow/cold are not a problem, but tornadoes, I confess, freak me out!</p>
<p>Yes, they do get tornados in IA. There has been one warning this semester. Most tornadoes happen in the summer, I believe, so it's a short season while students are there. Buildings in tornado alley have basements and people are safe in basements. The towns have sirens that go off so even if you're not paying attention, you will be warned. They're kind of exciting in a way. I believe that long ago, the campus was flattened by a tornado.</p>
<p>dont be freakedout by tornadoes.
i live in iowa city (its pretty close to grinnell) and we got 6 tornadoes in one night a few years ago. and even then, just stay in a basebent and its fine.</p>