Several people die after tornado in small town in Iowa

Authorities say several people have been killed and dozens injured in a tornado in Iowa.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the deadly storm system just after 3:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, May 21.

Initial storm investigations confirmed that the tornado caused “at least Category EF-3 damage” in Greenfield – a town of about 2,100 people, according to U.S. Census data, the agency said.

Iowa State Patrol Sgt. According to a press release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Alex Dinkla confirmed that the tornado caused “deaths and injuries in the Greenfield community,” but did not provide specific numbers.

Among those killed were an unidentified couple and a third person, according to The Weather Channel. Cynthia Jenson, a cousin of one of the victims, said she knew all three people.

“It was heartbreaking,” Jenson told the station as she described the damage she witnessed. “I mean, there are missing houses that you’ve always seen. You knew the sights in the city to get where you needed to go. So yeah, it’s terrible.”

Drone footage Footage from professional storm chasers Reed Timmer and Mike Scantlin showed the massive tornado sweeping through the small town.

The tornado knocked down several wind turbines; storm chasers also filmed this.

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Adair County Memorial Hospital was also damaged, but crews “worked quickly to treat the injured,” Dinkla said.

According to the sergeant, the Greenfield Community School District is serving as both a reunification point and a temporary shelter after the storm.

“This city has a long way to go, but if their actions today are any indication of what lies ahead, they will emerge stronger and more united than ever before,” Dinkla told reporters Tuesday night.

A food and water donation site has been set up at the Department of Transportation (DOT) facility at 2313 Highway 92, Dinkla added.

“The Greenfield community has shown incredible unity during this difficult time. Neighbors and friends have shown remarkable compassion, empathy and support,” Dinkla said at Tuesday’s press conference.

At least 20 tornadoes hit the Midwest on Tuesday, according to ABC News. According to CNN, at least 18 hurricanes have been recorded in Iowa.

Tornadoes have been ravaging the Midwest and Southern states since March, and more tornadoes are expected on Wednesday. According to the NWS Storm Prediction Center, the highest risk for tornadoes this time is in parts of central and eastern Texas, southwest Arkansas and northwest Louisiana.