On May 21, 2024, a devastating tornado tore through Greenfield, Iowa, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The powerful storm resulted in at least a dozen injuries and multiple fatalities. Adair County was among the first to be included in a disaster proclamation by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, activating the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program for storm victims. The county was one of 15 immediately included in Governor Reynolds' proclamation, which also encompassed Adams, Cass, Clay, Hardin, Harrison, Jasper Kossuth Marshall Montgomery Page Palo Alto Pottawattamie Tama and Warren Counties. This marks the second deadly tornado of the year in southwestern Iowa; a man was killed on April 26 when a tornado struck the small town of Minden in Pottawattamie County. In response to this disaster, Governor Reynolds expressed her condolences and pledged state resources to support response and recovery efforts. She also assured that utility crews would work tirelessly to restore power to thousands without electricity, while the State Emergency Operations Center coordinated missions with local responders. The Iowa State Patrol reported that everyone missing in the area has been accounted for, and residents have been advised to adhere to a mandatory curfew. In addition to causing widespread damage in Greenfield, the tornado also toppled several wind turbines in Adams County. At least 41,000 homes and businesses across Iowa lost power as a result of the storms. As recovery efforts continue, Governor Reynolds is expected to visit Greenfield to assess the damage with local officials and begin the recovery process.
In Omaha, Nebraska, residents faced their own challenges as severe weather and flooding swept through the area. Tornado warnings were issued for several counties in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa until at least 1:30 p.m., while areas along and east of the Missouri River had the best chance for severe storms, including tornadoes, hail, and wind. Multiple water rescues were underway as flooding affected many areas, with tens of thousands of outages reported across the Omaha metro area due to early morning storms. As residents in both Iowa and Nebraska work to recover from this round of severe weather, they remain resilient in the face of adversity.
In total, at least a dozen people were injured in the tornado that hit Greenfield, Iowa. At least one person was killed when a tornado struck near Red Oak. The destruction caused by these storms serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature, and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such disasters.
As investigations continue, more information about the extent of damage, injuries, fatalities, and response efforts will become available. For now, communities are coming together to support one another in this difficult time as they work to recover from these devastating storms.
