In the midst of a historic tornado season, at least five people have lost their lives and nearly 100 were injured as powerful tornadoes tore through Iowa on Tuesday, May 23, 2024. The National Weather Service confirmed that at least 81 tornados had touched down in the state this year, surpassing any other state's total.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Greenfield, a small town where four people were killed and dozens more were injured when an EF-3 tornado struck. Residents like Kimberly Ergish and her husband spent hours digging through the debris of their former homes, searching for salvageable items.
The destruction was widespread, with power lines knocked down, houses devastated, and cars overturned. The Iowa Department of Public Safety reported that at least 35 people were injured in Greenfield alone. However, unofficial reports indicated tornadoes touched down in several other areas including Cromwell, Prescott, Corning, Carbon, Red Oak and Villisca.
The fifth fatality was reported about 25 miles from Greenfield when a woman's car was blown off the road near Highway 148 and Joshua Tree Avenue. Monica Zamarron, 46 years old, died in the crash. She was the only person in her vehicle at the time.
The tornadoes were part of a larger storm system that also brought powerful winds to Texas, where an Army installation at Fort Cavazos sustained damage from tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service issued multiple warnings and advisories throughout the day as the storms moved eastward.
The cause of these devastating tornadoes remains under investigation, but some experts suggest that climate change may be contributing to an increase in extreme weather events. In the meantime, officials urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions during severe weather conditions.
