A powerful tornado tore through the small town of Greenfield, Iowa, resulting in multiple fatalities and at least a dozen injuries. The tornado destroyed homes, businesses, trees, cars, and other property in the town of about 2,000 residents, located 55 miles southwest of Des Moines. The Iowa State Patrol confirmed the fatalities and injuries and were assessing the full extent of the damage. Residents were evacuated, and a triage center was set up at Greenfield High School to provide medical assistance to those in need. The storm left a devastating landscape of destruction in its wake, with families coming together to salvage belongings from the debris.
The town of Greenfield, known for its friendly community and tree-lined streets, suffered widespread devastation with mounds of debris, damaged homes, and uprooted trees. Residents like Rogue Paxton sought shelter in their basements and emerged to find their homes destroyed. The storm also damaged several 250-foot wind turbines in southwest Iowa, causing some to catch fire and emit smoke. The town of Greenfield prides itself on its tight-knit community and neighborly support, with businesses knowing their customers by name, according to their visitors’ page. The tornado left a trail of destruction that will take time to recover from.
Mary Long, owner of Long’s Market in downtown Greenfield, rode out the storm at her business and witnessed significant damage on the east and south sides of town. Camille Blair from the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce described widespread damage and debris scattered throughout the area. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for towns near Greenfield, with severe weather expected throughout Iowa. Des Moines public schools closed early, and activities were canceled to ensure the safety of students and residents. The storms moved into Wisconsin, prompting warnings, while Omaha, Nebraska, experienced power outages and flooding from heavy rain and hail.
In Illinois, dust storms forced authorities to close stretches of interstates due to low visibility caused by gusty winds. Severe weather had already impacted parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and western Nebraska in the days leading up to the Iowa tornado. Yuma, Colorado, was inundated with hail the size of baseballs and golf balls, leading to flooding and hazardous conditions. Previous storms in the Houston area resulted in significant damage and loss of life, highlighting the unpredictable and destructive nature of extreme weather events. The National Weather Service forecasted more severe storms in Minnesota and northern Missouri, with high winds, heavy rain, and large hail expected.
The recent storms have left a trail of destruction across the central United States, with communities facing the aftermath of tornadoes, hailstorms, and strong winds. The resilience of residents in Greenfield and other affected areas will be tested as they work together to rebuild and recover from the devastation. As the storm system moves southward, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and southern Missouri are bracing for more severe weather, including high winds, heavy rain, and large hail. The impact of these storms serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community support in the face of natural disasters. The affected regions will need ongoing assistance and resources to address the challenges posed by the severe weather events.
