tornado kills multiple people in Iowa as powerful storms again tear through Midwest

Strong storms that tore across the Midwest on Saturday caused multiple tornadoes in central Iowa that claimed the lives of at least seven people, including two children. The most severely damaged area was in Madison County, close to the city of Winterset, where an EF-4 tornado with winds of up to 170 mph caused catastrophic damage.

Squashed together in the pantry of a destroyed home, four of the seven victims belonged to the same family. The victims included Michael Bolger, 37; his 5-year-old daughter Kinlee; his 2-year-old son Owen; and Melissa Bazley, the children’s 63-year-old grandmother. A few houses down the street were also struck by the tornado, killing two more victims.

Six more people in Madison County were hurt by the tornado in addition to the dead, with one adult receiving potentially fatal injuries. It traveled a distance of 13.7 miles, damaging or destroying roughly 52 homes.

I believe that this is the worst that anyone has seen in a very long time,” stated Diogenes Ayala, director of Madison County emergency management.

The tornado was part of a larger outbreak that included at least two other EF-3 twisters, one near Chariton in Lucas County that killed a 40-year-old man and another near Leon in Decatur County. In total, the National Weather Service received 42 tornado reports across southern Iowa on Saturday.

Madison County was declared a disaster by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, opening up state funding for response and rehabilitation activities. Alejandro Mayorkas, the secretary of homeland security, reportedly offered her federal assistance if needed.

Since an EF-5 tornado in May 2008 claimed nine lives in Parkersburg, Iowa, this tornado outbreak has been the deadliest in the state. It happened only a few months after a rare tornado outbreak in December that severely damaged the entire state. 

Another system is expected to move into the area from Texas on Sunday afternoon and night, bringing with it the possibility of severe storms. A portion of Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are at increased risk of severe storms.

What is the weather forecast for the Midwest in the next few days?

The weather forecast for the Midwest in the next few days indicates varying conditions across different locations within the region. Here is a summary based on the provided sources:

Midwest, WY (Weather Forecast):

Wednesday, May 22: Mostly cloudy with a high of 66°F and winds from the southwest at 21 mph.

Thursday, May 23: Partly cloudy with a high of 55°F and windy conditions with winds from the west-southwest at 26 mph.

Friday, May 24: Sunny with a high of 65°F and winds from the west-southwest at 14 mph.

Midwest, USA (time and date):

Wednesday, May 22: Scattered clouds with a high of 73°F and winds at 10 mph.

Thursday, May 23: Mostly sunny with a high of 79°F and winds at 14 mph.

Friday, May 24: Thunderstorms with breaks of sun late, a high of 73°F, and winds at 16 mph.

Midwest City, OK (weather forecast):

Wednesday, May 25: Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then partly cloudy late with a high of 75°F and winds from the northeast at 16 mph.

Thursday, May 23: Scattered thunderstorms are developing in the afternoon with a high of 80°F and winds from the south-southeast at 14 mph.

Friday, May 24: Partly cloudy with a high of 86°F and winds shifting from southwest to northwest at 16 mph.

These forecasts highlight a mix of conditions, including cloudy skies, thunderstorms, and sunny periods with varying temperatures and wind speeds across the Midwest in the coming days.

What are the safety tips for people living in tornado-prone areas?

Living in a location where tornadoes are common necessitates being ready for these extreme weather events and knowing what safety precautions to take to protect oneself and loved ones. Based on the sources cited, the following is some crucial safety advice for residents of tornado-prone areas:

Stay Alert and Informed: Pay attention to weather reports and stay alert when bad weather approaches your area.

Seek Shelter: If you are home, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows. The safest place is the interior part of a basement.

Monitor storm alerts: Stay informed about tornado warnings and updates on your mobile phone through local news, NOAA radio stations, or community alerts.

Practice Tornado Drills: Conduct regular tornado drills with your family to prepare for what to do in the event of a tornado.

Know the Signs of a Tornado: Learn to recognize danger signs such as dark, greenish clouds, large hail, a cloud of debris, or funnel clouds.

Take immediate action. If a tornado warning is issued or signs of a tornado are present, seek shelter immediately.

Protect Yourself: If caught outside, find a low-lying area like a ditch and lie flat on the ground, covering your head and neck with your arms.

By following these safety tips and being prepared, individuals living in tornado-prone areas can increase their chances of staying safe during these potentially life-threatening weather events.

Did a tornado rip through Greenfield, Iowa?

A tornado indeed tore through Greenfield, Iowa, leaving the town in ruins, with numerous fatalities and injuries as well as significant damage. Homes, businesses, and trees were flattened by the tornado, which also caused damage that forced the Adair County Hospital to be evacuated. Following the storm, Greenfield saw a sight of destruction with automobiles that had flipped, emergency vehicles lined the streets, and rubble scattered where homes previously stood.

What is the current situation in Greenfield, Iowa, after the tornado?

Following the destructive tornado that tore through Greenfield, Iowa, the community finds itself in a dangerous predicament. At least a dozen individuals have been injured and multiple fatalities related to the storm have been recorded. Nearly all of Greenfield’s buildings have been leveled, leaving behind piles of debris for residences, bark-bare trees, and emergency cars bordering the 

streets. The community’s problems have been made worse by the devastation and evacuation of the Adair County Hospital in Greenfield.

There has been extensive damage to houses, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving the town in a state of confusion and devastation. In addition to shelters being established for residents impacted by the storm, search operations are still underway to make sure that everyone is found. To address the severe damage caused by the tornado, the Iowa State Patrol intends to make additional information on cleanup operations public.

The people of Greenfield are strong and banding together to help one another in the wake of this terrible incident, even if there has been much destruction. The scope of the damage and the recovery process are still being determined as locals and officials evaluate and deal with the tornado’s aftermath in Greenfield, Iowa.

what is the government doing to help the victims of the Iowa tornado?

The government is actively assisting the victims of the Iowa tornado through various measures. President Joe Biden approved Gov. Kim Reynolds’ request for federal assistance, leading to a major disaster declaration covering Adair, Montgomery, Polk, and Story counties, which were severely impacted by the tornado. 

This declaration enables federal funds to be allocated for relief and recovery efforts, including FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program. Impacted residents and businesses can apply for assistance with housing, personal property, and other related expenses through these programs. Additionally, the HUD’s Section 203(h) program assists in home reconstruction or replacement for those whose homes were destroyed or extensively damaged. 

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 for home and car repairs, and replacement of lost or damaged property for households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. The government’s response aims to support the affected individuals and communities in their recovery process.

Did a drone video show the destruction of the Greenfield tornado?

Yes, the massive destruction inflicted by the tornado that slammed Greenfield, Iowa, on May 21, 2024, was documented on camera by storm chaser Reed Timmer using a drone. In the footage, wind turbines close to Greenfield could be seen being smashed and twisted in half. In the village of roughly 2,000 people, the tornado, which was rated at least an EF3, left four people dead and at least 35 injured. The village was almost destroyed, according to drone footage, with houses ripped to pieces, automobiles flung by the strong winds, and only bare tree trunks rising above the wreckage.

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