Deadly tornadoes wreak havoc across the Midwest and pose a threat to cities across the US
Communities in the Midwest are devastated as they face the aftermath of destructive tornadoes that have claimed lives and destroyed homes. The impact of these storms has now expanded beyond the Midwest, putting cities across the US on high alert for potential danger and destruction.
Some Iowa communities are facing the aftermath of severe storms that hit the Midwest on Tuesday, leaving homes destroyed and neighbors dead. The storms are now moving towards a wider area in the US.
In Greenfield, Iowa, multiple fatalities and injuries have been reported after a tornado struck the small city on Tuesday evening. Sgt. Alex Dinkla from the Iowa State Patrol confirmed the devastation but did not provide details on the number or type of casualties.
Clel Baudler, a former Iowa state representative who lives near Greenfield, expressed that there is very little left in the area. A video captured by CNN affiliate KCCI shows that homes and other buildings have been completely destroyed, with debris scattered everywhere, cars overturned, and trees uprooted.
On Tuesday, Iowa experienced at least 17 tornado reports as part of a series of storms moving through the United States this week. These storms have caused extensive power outages, structural damage, and some instances of flooding in various areas.
PowerOutage.us reported that around 200,000 households and commercial establishments in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois were without power on Tuesday night. More outages are expected as severe storms move through the East on Wednesday.
Although the severe thunderstorm threat lessens slightly on Wednesday, there is still a risk of strong winds, hail, and even tornadoes across a wide 1,500-mile area stretching from Texas to western Vermont.
Severe thunderstorms with a potential for damaging gusts and hail are expected from central Texas to the Ohio Valley and lower Great Lakes area on Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center has warned that the greatest risk of damaging hail and wind is anticipated from north Texas across the Ozarks.
While a few tornadoes may occur from Texas to Arkansas, there is a possibility of hail and powerful winds along the path of the storms.
The area most likely to experience severe weather will be from central Texas to southeast Oklahoma and central Arkansas, including cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Little Rock. There could be hail larger than 2 inches, wind gusts up to 74 mph, and even some tornadoes.
On Wednesday, cities with a lower risk of severe weather, such as Nashville, St. Louis, Memphis, Cleveland, Tulsa, and Columbus, should still be cautious and aware of potential storms.
Some neighborhoods in Iowa have been severely damaged. Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster emergency for 15 counties on Tuesday. This was due to a powerful line of thunderstorms causing heightened tornado watches across Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Western Iowa was hit the hardest by the storms, causing severe damage. Violent winds and potential tornadoes destroyed buildings in Greenfield, knocked down a large wind turbine in Prescott, and left some people's homes in ruins.
Tragically, in addition to the lives lost in Greenfield, another person was reported dead in Adams County as the storms moved through the area, according to local authorities.
Heaps of rubble blanket Greenfield, Iowa, after a tornado touched down Tuesday.
Heaps of rubble blanket Greenfield, Iowa, after a tornado touched down Tuesday.
More than twenty homes in Montgomery County were damaged or destroyed, along with some important public buildings, according to emergency management officials. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, but evaluations of the damage are still being conducted.
Valerie Warrior, who lives in Greenfield, prayed for God's protection over her home and family as she took shelter in her basement during the storm, she shared with CNN affiliate KCCI.
"I was in the furnace room when I heard the storm approaching like a train," she recalled, mentioning how insulation was flying off the basement windows. "I heard the sound and I knew it was coming."
Warrior expressed her heartbreak at the extensive damage caused by the crisis, describing it as "devastating" to witness. However, she remains optimistic that the residents will support each other during this difficult time.
She believes in the strength of the community, noting that people have already started to help each other and work together. In times of tragedy, she has observed that individuals come together to provide support and encouragement to one another.
Fighting back tears, Warrior looked out across a rubble-strewn lawn and tried to crack a smile.
“We’ll rebuild, we’ll rebuild.”
CNN’s Jessica Jordan, Sara Smart and Amy Simonson contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The severe storms that ravaged Iowa have left a trail of devastation and loss. The images of destroyed homes and uprooted lives are heartbreaking. The loss of life is particularly tragic, and our thoughts are with the victims' families and loved ones.
As the storms continue to move across the country, it is crucial to stay informed and take precautions. While the threat of severe weather may lessen in some areas, it is still a possibility. Pay attention to weather forecasts and be prepared to take cover if necessary. By working together and supporting one another, we can navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger as communities.
