Des Moines, Iowa experienced a devastating tornado outbreak on Tuesday, with multiple tornadoes leaving a path of destruction and claiming several lives before moving on to Illinois and Wisconsin.
During a press conference on Tuesday evening, Iowa State Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Alex Dinkla sadly confirmed the fatalities resulting from the tornadoes. While details on the deaths were not immediately provided, reports from local sources indicated the tragic toll of the storms.
One storm chaser lost her life when her car was blown off the road in Corning, as reported by the Des Moines Register. Drone footage revealed extensive damage in Greenfield, with former Iowa state representative Clel Baudler describing the aftermath as catastrophic. The National Weather Service initially rated the Greenfield tornado as EF3 strength, although this assessment may change as more information becomes available.
Residents like Rogue Paxton recounted their harrowing experiences sheltering from the storm, with some losing their homes while others narrowly escaped. The community rallied together to support one another in the wake of the devastation, showcasing resilience and strength in the face of tragedy.
A tragic death was also reported in Adams County, Iowa, further highlighting the destructive impact of the tornado outbreak. AccuWeather meteorologist Tony Laubach captured footage of tornadoes in Red Oak and Stanton, where significant damage was observed.
Significant infrastructure damage occurred as well, with several wind turbines destroyed near Prescott, Iowa. Live footage from storm chasers showed the extent of the destruction, including a turbine that caught fire as a result of the storms.
As of Wednesday morning, tens of thousands of people were without power in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois due to the severe weather. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster emergency in 15 counties to mobilize state resources for response and recovery efforts. Reynolds plans to visit Greenfield to assess the damage firsthand and ensure that all necessary resources are made available to support the affected communities.