Multiple Deaths Reported as Tornado Devastates Greenfield, Iowa
A powerful tornado tore through the small city of Greenfield, Iowa, on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and claiming multiple lives. The Iowa State Patrol confirmed the fatalities but has not released a definitive count as search efforts continue into Tuesday evening. At least a dozen people have been reported injured.
Extensive Damage and Casualties
Photos and videos shared on social media depict the extent of the damage, with many homes and businesses destroyed, including a retirement center. The exact number of injuries at the center remains unknown. FOX Weather Storm Tracker Brandon Copic described the scene, stating, “Most of this town is gone, Steve. There’s no other way to put it. Most of this town’s gone.”
Sgt. Alex Dinkla, spokesperson with the Iowa State Patrol, confirmed the deaths at a news conference late Tuesday night. He did not know the exact number of those killed or injured but estimated at least a dozen people were hospitalized. Dinkla did not think there were people still missing as of Tuesday evening, but searches were still underway to confirm.
Former state Rep. Clel Baudler said the fast-moving twister hit shortly after he arrived back home around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon from a trip to Texas. The tornado caused extensive damage and injuries in Greenfield and prompted authorities to limit traffic in and out of the Adair County town of more than 2,000.
Community Response and Support
Shelters have been set up for residents, and a curfew has been implemented in the city overnight, starting at 10 p.m. The Iowa State Patrol plans to release more details on cleanup efforts Wednesday morning. Dinkla said that an indefinite curfew is in effect from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. in Greenfield.
People looking to help the community can drop off food and water at the Department of Transportation (DOT) Facility located east of Greenfield, at 2313 Highway 92, Greenfield, IA 50849. Emergency officials addressed the public after the tornado ripped through Greenfield, urging those missing loved ones to contact the Iowa Department of Public Safety at 712.732.1341.
Carl and Valerie Faust, who were in the path of the tornado and lost their home, remained optimistic. “We’ll get up in the morning,” Carl Faust said. “We’ll look it all over with a fresh mind and fresh eyes, and we’ll start attacking it all.”
Damage Across the State
Iowa, along with parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, was under a significant tornado watch on Tuesday. As of Tuesday evening, 33 tornadoes had been reported across the Midwest, primarily in central and western Iowa.
The National Weather Service in Des Moines received reports of tornadoes from various locations within a 50-mile radius of Des Moines, mostly to the west of the city. These areas include Greenfield, Macksburg, Winterset, Norwalk, Alleman, Cambridge, Nevada, and Pleasant Hill. Earlier in the afternoon, FOX Weather captured video of a tornado moving near Carbon, Iowa, about 60 miles east of Omaha. Another video showed what appeared to be a tornado in the Red Oak, Iowa area.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
As the community of Greenfield begins to assess the damage and start the recovery process, state and local officials are working together to provide support and resources. The Iowa State Patrol, along with other emergency responders, will continue to update the public on the situation and coordinate cleanup efforts.
Greenfield, with a population of about 2,000, is located approximately 50 miles southwest of Des Moines and 75 miles east of Omaha. The town has shown remarkable resilience and unity in the face of this devastating event, with neighbors and friends coming together to support one another during this challenging time.
