Devastating Tornado Hits Greenfield, Iowa: Deaths and Massive Damage Reported
The strongest tornado of the season so far has struck Greenfield, Iowa, leaving a trail of death and destruction. At least five people have died and dozens have been injured following the powerful storm, which struck on Tuesday evening, May 21. The town of Greenfield, a small community of about 2,000 people, has been left in pieces, with homes destroyed, trees uprooted, and infrastructure demolished.
Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard described the scene as 'apocalyptic,' noting that several wind turbines were completely shredded and one caught fire. The National Weather Service (NWS) recorded wind speeds of 109 km/h, and this storm is now being considered the strongest tornado of the season. A hospital in Greenfield sustained significant damage, leading to the transfer of patients who required continued treatment.
Emergency Measures and the Path of Destruction
Local, county, and state emergency services quickly initiated search and rescue operations. Authorities imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to ensure safety and order. Despite the violence of the storm, a significant portion of Greenfield's residents managed to take shelter, but the devastation is widespread, with scenes of houses torn apart and wind turbines destroyed visible for several kilometers.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a state of emergency in 15 counties, including Adair County, which encompasses Greenfield. She committed to providing all state resources to support relief and reconstruction efforts. The governor plans to visit Greenfield to assess the damage personally.
As of Wednesday morning, the storm began moving towards Wisconsin and Illinois, prompting additional weather warnings. The residents of Greenfield and surrounding areas continue to cope with the immediate aftermath of this catastrophic natural disaster.
- Patrol Sergeant Alex Dinkla from the Iowa State Patrol confirmed that emergency operations were swiftly initiated following the tornado's passage. He detailed that a dozen people had been taken to the hospital and searches in the area led officials to believe that everyone had been accounted for.
- In Adams, a woman died after her car drove off the road during the storm. The total death toll stands at five, with 35 people reported injured in Greenfield alone.
- Sergeant Dinkla ensured the public that the curfew, which initially ran from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., would be in place for an extended period to maintain safety and assist in the ongoing recovery efforts.
