Damaging storms hit Iowa on Tuesday, causing destruction and at least one death. A woman in Adams County died due to storm-related incidents, according to the county’s medical examiner. Images on social media and local news showed tornado damage, including wind turbines toppling over and catching fire. In Greenfield, Iowa, homes were reduced to rubble, and the local hospital was evacuated due to storm damage. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued an emergency disaster proclamation for 15 counties, allowing state resources to aid in the response.
The storm activity affected a wide swath of the country, with the highest risk of tornadoes and damaging winds in Iowa, including cities like Iowa City and Davenport. Over 4 million people were under a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Pea-size hail, heavy rains, and strong winds were reported in Madison County, Iowa, southwest of Des Moines. School districts closed early or did not hold classes due to the severe weather.
The Midwest region has experienced numerous tornadoes this year, with reports in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. Over 150 preliminary reports of tornadoes have been documented, with the majority occurring before the peak tornadic weather season in May and June. There was uncertainty on Tuesday about how the morning storms would impact the storms expected in the afternoon, potentially creating conditions for damaging weather. The risk of severe storms was projected to continue into the Upper Great Lakes region overnight into Wednesday morning.
Christine Hauser, a reporter, contributed to the reporting on the severe weather in Iowa. The devastation caused by the storms underscores the importance of being prepared for severe weather events in the Midwest. Authorities and residents alike are urged to stay informed about weather alerts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during storms. The damage in Iowa serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and destructive nature of severe weather systems, highlighting the need for vigilance and readiness in the face of such natural disasters.
