Summary

A tornado struck Greenfield, Iowa, causing widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and the local hospital. Four fatalities and over 35 injuries were reported, with search and rescue operations ongoing. Governor Kim Reynolds emphasized the severity of the situation, declaring emergencies in 15 counties. The tornado outbreak affected six states, with continued severe weather warnings across the Midwest and southern regions, prompting alerts from the National Weather Service for potential future storms.

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Tuesday afternoon, a tornado tore through the small Iowa town of Greenfield, about 55 miles southwest of the state capitol Des Moines. In its wake, the tornado left destroyed homes, fallen trees, and crushed cars. In addition, the tornado destroyed power-producing wind turbines several miles outside of the town. The Adair County Memorial Hospital, which serves Greenfield and other nearby areas, was also damaged. At least 14 people had to be transported outside of the county to receive medical care as a result. It will remain closed for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months as the building is repaired. 

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Wednesday night, the Iowa Department of Public Safety announced that four people were killed and at least 35 injured as a result of the Greenfield tornado. Search and rescue missions continue and this number is expected to rise. In total, at least 26 tornados in six states have devastated towns across the country since Tuesday morning.

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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said the focus of the state’s resources is still on conducting search and rescue operations. She told reporters much of Greenfield is completely flattened and that the situation is “tragic” and “gut-wrenching.” There have been reports of multiple deaths, but Iowa state officials still have not released official counts as of Wednesday night. In 15 counties, Reynolds has issued an emergency disaster declaration.

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Later in the day on Tuesday, the storm continued to move through the Midwest, hitting parts of Wisconsin and Illinois. As of yesterday, the storm changed course and moved south, leaving large parts of Texas under various severe weather warnings. Hail and high winds were present in parts of Texas as well, in addition to parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma. More moderate weather events, including severe thunderstorms, may be felt as far north as New York state. 

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There have been reports of several other tornadoes throughout southwest and northern Iowa. At one point Tuesday evening, residents of Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Arkansas were all under various forms of severe weather warnings. At least 379 severe storms were reported across the country on Tuesday.

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The National Weather Service warned of potential bad weather across the country in the coming days. Thank you for listening to this Current2 Deep Dive.

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Midwest storms: Search and rescue continues after deadly Iowa tornado | AP News 

Death Toll Unclear as Iowa Reels From Tornado 

26 tornadoes in 6 states wreak havoc, kill multiple people in Iowa - ABC News

At least 4 killed, dozens injured by Iowa tornado as powerful storms slam Midwest - CBS News