Greenfield, Iowa – A powerful tornado struck Greenfield on Tuesday, leading to multiple deaths and more than a dozen injuries. The town in Adair County experienced widespread devastation, with homes destroyed, cars thrown around, and trees stripped of their leaves.
Meteorologist Brad Small from the National Weather Service in metro Des Moines reported that it is still uncertain how many tornadoes hit the state on Tuesday. Initial indications suggest that there were at least six tornadoes, but further investigation by survey teams is required to confirm the exact number.
The weather service teams will focus their assessments on three main areas of the state where the tornadoes caused the most damage. Specifically, they will examine the impact near Corning in southwest Iowa, Greenfield, which was the hardest-hit location, and a possible tornado in northern Polk County.
One of the tornadoes damaged Johnston High School, forcing its closure for at least a day. The tornado that hit Greenfield is believed to have been significant, although the exact size is still unknown. Small mentioned that more information on the tornado’s intensity will be available later in the day after analyzing aerial photography and assessing the damage up close.
Despite the recent severe weather events, more storms are forecast. However, Small suggested that the upcoming storms are not expected to pose a significant threat. While there may be light showers and a chance of thunderstorms, the severe weather potential looks minimal, with only a marginal risk in some areas.
The recent tornado outbreak follows a series of tornadoes in April, which saw 43 tornadoes occur in Iowa during the month, marking the fourth-highest number on record for a single month in the state. The continuous severe weather serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and destructive nature of tornadoes in the region.