Greenfield, Iowa – The aftermath of a deadly tornado that tore through Iowa continues to unfold as authorities are still engaged in search and rescue operations in the devastated town of Greenfield. The tornado led to tragic consequences, including the loss of lives in the town, although the exact number remains undisclosed.
Tragedy struck about 25 miles southwest of Greenfield when a woman lost her life after her vehicle was blown off the road by the storms near Corning, Iowa. In Greenfield, a town of 2,000 residents located about 55 miles southwest of Des Moines, the tornado left behind a path of destruction, obliterating homes, vehicles, and massive power-producing wind turbines.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds described the scene as “horrific” during a news conference just outside the devastated town. The extent of the damage and debris in Greenfield has made it challenging to determine the exact number of casualties and missing persons.
The storms that wreaked havoc in Iowa later moved eastward, impacting parts of Illinois and Wisconsin, resulting in widespread power outages in both states. These events unfolded during a particularly active tornado season in the U.S., with April recording the second-highest number of tornadoes on record.
Throughout the country, there has been a 27% increase in the number of tornadoes compared to the average. Iowa leads the way with the most tornadoes this year at 81, followed by Texas, Kansas, and Ohio. The storm activity has triggered concerns about the heightened severity of weather events due to climate change.
One of the most devastating tornadoes hit Greenfield, leaving a trail of destruction over 40 miles. The damage caused by the tornado was compared to the EF-4 tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky, in 2021. Despite radar indications of wind speeds exceeding 200 mph, the true strength of the tornado will be determined by ground surveys of the damage.
In the aftermath of the tornado, residents in Greenfield banded together to salvage belongings from the debris. The tornado also damaged a wind farm southwest of the town, causing several 250-foot turbines to collapse.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the tornado, neighboring states like Wisconsin and Minnesota are also facing storm damage assessments. The severity of the storms underscores the need for communities to remain vigilant and prepared for extreme weather conditions.