Iowa Tornadoes Kill 5, Injure Dozens Amid Powerful Midwest Storms

TL/DR –

Powerful tornadoes have caused significant destruction in Iowa, killing at least five people and injuring dozens more. The small city of Greenfield, located in Adair County, was particularly affected, with four people killed and at least 35 injured. In addition to the human toll, the tornadoes destroyed homes and businesses, shredded trees, smashed cars, and caused severe damage to a local hospital and wind farm.

Tornadoes Cause Havoc in Iowa, 5 Dead and Many Injured

Powerful tornadoes have ravaged Iowa, leading to at least five fatalities and dozens of injuries, particularly in the city of Greenfield. Homes, businesses and cars have been destroyed, with much of Nebraska also affected by torrential rain, high winds and large hail.

In a recent news release, the Iowa Department of Public Safety reported four deaths and 35 injuries from the Greenfield tornado. It noted that the actual number of injured people is likely higher. Fourteen people were moved to medical facilities outside the county.

A female driver was killed in Adams County after her car was blown off the road by a tornado. The names of the deceased have yet to be released.

Iowa Governor Declares Disaster for 15 Counties

With severe weather affecting 15 counties across Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds has declared a state of disaster. During her visit to Greenfield, she described the situation as “tragic” and “gut-wrenching”. She highlighted that a significant portion of the town, including the local hospital, were either damaged or completely destroyed.

Iowa State Patrol spokesperson, Sgt. Alex Dinkla, emphasized that a search and rescue mission is ongoing to account for all Greenfield residents. Following the tornado, parts of the city are in ruins with remains of homes and cars scattered around.

Destruction at Greenfield’s Wind Farm and Hospital

The Greenfield-based Adair County Health System hospital suffered damage, and a nearby wind farm also experienced a direct hit from a powerful tornado, causing five of its towers to collapse. One of these towers caught fire. MidAmerican Energy Company, which owns the wind farm, described the impact as “unprecedented”.

PowerOutage.us reports that roughly 3,500 homes and businesses in Iowa are currently without power, a significant decrease from over 32,000 on Tuesday night.

Forecasts Predict More Severe Weather

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has warned that Iowa is likely to experience further severe thunderstorms and strong tornadoes. Des Moines public schools have preemptively ended classes and canceled activities in preparation for the storms.

Nebraska is also reeling from the impact of torrential rain and high winds, with over 10,000 customers experiencing power outages. Local reports also indicate wide-scale flooding and submerged cars due to heavy rainfall.

CBS Chicago meteorologists predict that parts of Illinois and Minnesota are at risk of experiencing severe weather, including 75-mph wind gusts and potential tornado activity.
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