Several people were killed when a tornado ripped through a small town in Iowa.
The Iowa State Patrol says the devastating tornado hit Greenfield, leaving a trail of destruction. The Adair County Memorial Hospital, which was treating victims, was also damaged.
The Greenfield Community School District set up a family reunification point at the high school. It was also set up as a temporary shelter for Greenfield residents who lost their homes.
Intense supercells are trampling across the state of Iowa this afternoon.
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) May 21, 2024
Destructive and life-threatening tornadoes have been, and continue to be, produced from these storms. pic.twitter.com/OyofuZNiH5
A curfew was put into effect overnight for the town. "Residents are grateful for the overwhelming support from neighboring communities and appreciate those eager to help," Sgt. Alex Dinkla, the Iowa State Patrol public information officer said. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds planned to visit Greenfield on Wednesday morning.
"It was just a few weeks ago that tornadoes hit several other Iowa communities, and it's hard to believe that it's happened again. Iowans are strong and resilient, and we will get through this together," Reynolds said.
Utility crews were working to restore service to thousands without power from the storms. "This town has a long road ahead of them, but if their actions today are any indication of what lies ahead, they will emerge stronger and more united than ever before.," Dinkla said.
Apocalyptic scenes between Carbon and Greenfield, Iowa. Multiple wind turbines completely shredded, one on fire, power pole stumps left behind with entire poles gone. Strong strong tornado. pic.twitter.com/POvHZf5QXL
— Andrew Pritchard (@skydrama) May 21, 2024
Another tornado also took down several 250-foot wind turbines in southwest Iowa. Some of them caught fire, sending smoke into the air.
The National Weather Service said three teams were on the ground in Iowa to survey tornado damage.
Reminder, 3 survey teams are out in the field today.
— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) May 22, 2024
Please be sure to give them (and first responders and recovery efforts) space.
We will post additional information is assessed and as we are able to. Thank you for your patience and understanding. #iawx pic.twitter.com/MwxgT8jith