Greenfield, Iowa – A deadly tornado wreaked havoc on the small town of Greenfield, claiming four lives and injuring at least 35 people, authorities announced on Wednesday. The devastating storm swept through the region on Tuesday, leaving the community in a state of destruction. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed at this time.
In the aftermath of the tornado, numerous reports of twisters emerged across several states, including Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The majority of the tornadoes were concentrated in Iowa, with the National Weather Service confirming at least 21 out of 26 reported tornadoes in the state within a few hours on Tuesday evening.
Governor Kim Reynolds described the scene as “gut-wrenching” and “horrific” as she surveyed the widespread devastation in Greenfield. The twister, classified as an EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, ravaged the town with wind speeds reaching up to 135 mph.
Amid the destruction, the Adair County Memorial Hospital in Greenfield sustained significant damage, prompting the evacuation of staff and patients. The hospital is expected to remain closed for an extended period to assess and repair the structural harm caused by the tornado.
State Representative Ray Sorensen recounted the chaos and devastation he witnessed in Greenfield, where homes were destroyed, trees uprooted, and the community left unrecognizable. Despite the destruction, residents banded together to assist the injured, clearing debris and establishing makeshift triage centers for emergency medical aid.
Looking ahead, weather experts warn of continued severe weather threats in the region, with Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana facing heightened risks of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. As cleanup efforts begin in Greenfield and surrounding areas, the resilience of communities in the face of such natural disasters remains evident.
Authorities have taken swift action to address the crisis, with Governor Reynolds declaring a disaster emergency for 15 counties in Iowa and seeking federal assistance to support recovery and rebuilding efforts. The coming days will be crucial as affected areas brace for further severe weather conditions and work towards restoring normalcy in the wake of the devastating tornado.