Multiple people were killed and at least a dozen were injured after a tornado hit the town of Greenfield in Iowa, before moving towards Wisconsin and Illinois and causing power outages for nearly 155,000 homes and businesses. Iowa State Patrol confirmed the fatalities and injuries, with ongoing search efforts to determine the exact death toll. Several homes and buildings, including the local hospital, were destroyed in Greenfield, prompting authorities to set up a triage center at the high school for those in need of medical attention.
Following the devastation in Greenfield, the storms continued to move eastward towards Wisconsin and Illinois, leaving nearly 155,000 homes and businesses without power in those states. In Iowa, more than 24,500 faced a blackout due to the storms. The National Weather Service warned of heavy rain and the moderate risk of severe thunderstorms in parts of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and adjacent areas until Wednesday morning. Parts of Wisconsin were under a tornado watch, although it was lifted early on Wednesday.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed condolences for those impacted by the severe weather, especially the Greenfield area where lives were tragically lost. State and local officials are assessing the situation and setting up temporary shelters for those whose homes were damaged or destroyed. Reynolds plans to visit Greenfield to assess the damage with local officials and begin the recovery process. The town of Greenfield experienced significant destruction, including the loss of homes and the local hospital, leading to a call for support and assistance for those affected.
The aftermath of the tornado in Greenfield left authorities counting the fatalities and injuries, with ongoing search efforts to provide an accurate death toll. A triage center was established at the high school for those requiring medical attention, as the community worked to address the immediate needs of those affected by the storm. The storms’ impact extended to neighboring states of Wisconsin and Illinois, causing widespread power outages for homes and businesses, further highlighting the destructive nature of the severe weather that swept through the region.
As the storms continued to move eastward, the National Weather Service issued warnings for severe weather in parts of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and adjacent areas, emphasizing the potential for heavy rain and severe thunderstorms. Parts of Wisconsin were under a tornado watch, underscoring the ongoing threat of dangerous weather conditions in the region. The significant power outages in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa further underscored the widespread impact of the tornado and storms that caused devastation in Greenfield and beyond.
The statement from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds offered prayers and support for the affected communities and families, acknowledging the tragic loss of lives in Greenfield and the need for immediate assistance and recovery efforts. State and local officials were mobilized to assess the damage and provide shelter for those displaced by the storms, while the governor planned to visit Greenfield to coordinate the recovery process with local authorities. The events in Greenfield served as a stark reminder of the destructive power of tornadoes and severe weather, prompting a collective response to address the aftermath and support those affected by the natural disaster.
