'Apocalyptic' Tornado Tears Up City in Iowa

Newsweek Breaking News Card

A tornado battered Greenfield, Iowa, on Tuesday evening while videos captured the wreckage, including nearly flattened homes.

The social media posts display a devastating scene as Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard said on X, formerly Twitter, "Apocalyptic scenes between Carbon and Greenfield, Iowa. Multiple wind turbines completely shredded, one on fire, power pole stumps left behind with entire poles gone. Strong strong tornado."

What We Know

The raging storms pummeled Iowa on Tuesday, with 68 mph wind gusts noted at Waterloo Airport at 6:01 p.m., reported the National Weather Service (NWS).

Two tornado warnings were also issued for the Des Moines, Iowa, metro area around 4:45 p.m., the NWS said. Both warnings had "observed tornadoes." The NWS also advised residents to "seek shelter."

The Iowa State Patrol confirmed in a press release Tuesday night that the Greenfield tornado was deadly. Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinkla said in part, "there were fatalities and injuries within the community of Greenfield."

A "mandatory curfew" is also in effect for the area from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., Dinkla said.

The twister also damaged Adair County Memorial Hospital, Dinkla added in the press release, and that "patients needing further treatment for injuries were transferred to nearby medical centers." The Iowa State Patrol also called the storm "devastating."

WHO13 Anchor Katie Kaplan posted to X, sharing a video of the aftermath of the storm in Greenfield. Kaplan notes the video was from her colleagues at the scene, and shows damaged cars, buildings ripped apart and trees stripped bare.

KCCI News 8 Meteorologist Jason Parkin also noted the destruction, saying on X, "Griff's Garage in Greenfield. Cinder block building gone. Auto lift with bolt in concrete pulled out. #iawx." In a separate video on X of Greenfield, Parkin calls the destruction "tragic."

Cleanup is underway in Greenfield, according to local WHO13 Sports Director Keith Murphy, who took to X on Tuesday night, saying: "Clean-up has begun in Greenfield. @AndyFales on the scene and says it's just devastating."

The city of Greenfield is nearly 60 miles southwest of Des Moines.

Views

Republican Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement following the fatal storm, saying in part, "Kevin's [the Iowa first gentleman's] and my prayers are with all the communities and families impacted by today's severe weather, and especially those who tragically lost their lives in the Greenfield area. I am committed to providing the full resources of the state to support the response and recovery effort."

Local and state officials are also on the scene, Reynolds said in her statement, adding that she plans to visit Greenfield in the morning.

Reynolds posted on X earlier in the evening, saying, "We are monitoring the weather situation and are in regular contact with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management."

Reynolds continued, "The State Emergency Operations Center is responding to needs in impacted areas. Stay informed and take precautions as storms continue."

What's Next

The storm is heading into Wisconsin and Illinois late Tuesday. Weather alerts including tornado warnings have been issued, according to the NWS.

Newsweek has left a voicemail for the city police chief on Tuesday night.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Update 05/21/2024, 11:10 p.m.: This article was updated with Reynolds' statement and information from the Iowa State Patrol.

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