On Tuesday, a total of 20 reports of tornadoes were made in Iowa, with an additional tornado reported in Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service. Storm surveys were being conducted to confirm the tornadoes. Unfortunately, one death was reported in Adams County, near Greenfield, due to a weather-related incident. The sheriff’s office confirmed this unfortunate news. The possible tornado in Greenfield caused significant damage to Adair County Memorial Hospital, leading to the evacuation of some patients to other medical facilities. Drone footage revealed a path of destruction in Greenfield, with homes appearing to be completely destroyed. As a result, a curfew was enforced in Greenfield from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Wednesday, restricting access to only residents of the area.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster emergency proclamation for 15 counties, including Adair County, where Greenfield is located, in response to the severe weather that impacted the state. Reynolds announced plans to visit the Greenfield area on Wednesday to assess the damage and provide support to affected communities. She expressed her condolences for those who lost their lives in the Greenfield area due to the devastating weather. Along with the tornadoes, damaging hail was reported across Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin on Tuesday. Hail the size of golf balls was reported in Mahaska County, Iowa, while hail the size of tennis balls was observed in Cass County, Nebraska. A tornado watch remained in effect for a portion of the United States from Arkansas to Wisconsin, with the Chicago area being warned of potential severe weather until early Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service for Chicago issued a warning urging residents to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including methods that would wake them up if needed. The importance of not relying solely on outdoor sirens for alerts, especially while asleep, was stressed to ensure everyone’s safety. On Wednesday, a significant portion of the population in central Texas to upstate New York, totaling 38 million people, will be at risk of severe thunderstorms. Potential hazards include large hail, damaging winds, and the possibility of strong tornadoes. The areas forecasted to be hardest hit are central Texas to Missouri, where residents are advised to stay alert and follow safety precautions to minimize risks from the severe weather conditions.
The devastation caused by the tornadoes in Iowa and Wisconsin highlighted the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. Emergency responders were working diligently to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected communities. Efforts to restore normalcy and support those impacted by the severe weather were underway, with Governor Reynolds taking proactive steps to address the situation. The widespread risk of severe thunderstorms in the central United States underscored the need for everyone to stay informed, vigilant, and prepared for potential hazards. By following safety protocols and heeding weather warnings, individuals could help mitigate the impact of severe weather events and protect themselves and their communities from harm.
