Several tornadoes struck Iowa and Illinois, causing widespread damage to power lines, trees, and structures. The storm system began in Nebraska before moving into central Iowa and Illinois. Strong winds of up to 80 mph were recorded, along with heavy rainfall in some areas of Iowa. At least five tornadoes were reported in Iowa City and near Moline, Illinois, with no injuries reported. Emergency managers noted some structures and homes damaged but were still assessing the extent of the destruction.
In Oklahoma, a tornado was on the ground for about an hour in Jackson County, causing damage to power lines, outages, and structures. Severe weather was expected to continue throughout the Memorial Day weekend in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa. The recent storms come as residents of Greenfield, Iowa, are still recovering from a deadly tornado earlier in the week. The storm system on Friday brought heavy rains, hail, and strong winds to the area, further impacting a community already devastated by a tornado that killed four people, injured 35 others, and destroyed more than 100 homes.
Amid the cleanup efforts, residents shared stories of survival and loss. One resident, Tom Wiggins, reflected on his grandparents, Dean and Pam Wiggins, who were among the victims of Tuesday’s tornado. Their home was destroyed, leaving little more than its foundation. Another resident, Bill Yount, described the storm as changing his life in just 40 seconds, as the tornado ripped the garage off his house and damaged interior walls. The National Weather Service determined that three powerful tornadoes had carved paths totaling 130 miles across Iowa, adding to the destruction and devastation in the region.
As residents continued to grapple with the aftermath of the tornadoes, meteorologists warned of more severe weather to come. The National Weather Service expected storm systems in several states, including Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa, starting on Saturday evening and into Sunday. The ongoing threat of severe weather added to the challenges faced by communities already impacted by the recent tornadoes, underscoring the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. Despite the destruction and loss, residents remained resilient, coming together to support one another and begin the process of rebuilding and recovery in the days and weeks ahead.
