GREENFIELD, Iowa — Residents of Greenfield, Iowa are sifting through the destruction left behind by Tuesday's tornado.
The tornado swept across Greenfield Tuesday afternoon, flattening a number of homes and buildings and leaving debris strewn across the small Iowa town. A local hospital was among the structures damaged in the storm, leaving at least a dozen people to be relocated to other facilities.
If you are unable to contact a loved one in Greenfield, call the Iowa Department of Public Safety Storm Lake Communication Center at 712-732-1341. For more information about reunification points and temporary shelters, click here.
How many fatalities have been confirmed?
Joint Unified Command confirmed Wednesday night that, as a result of the May 21 Greenfield tornado, four people died and at least 35 injuries occurred.
The Adams County Sheriff's Office also confirmed a death near Corning due to a woman's car being blown off the roadway. The woman has been identified as 46-year-old Monica Zamarron.
National Weather Service survey teams confirmed all five deaths were the result of the same tornado, making the May 21 system the deadliest in 2024 so far.
The victims' identities have not yet been released, as officials are trying to notify families.
"It should be noted that it is believed that the number of those injured is likely higher, but these numbers reflect only those patients treated for their injuries at designated alternate care sites. At least 14 patients were transported to out-of-county medical facilities by various EMS Services," the press release reads in part.
Greenfield's storm is the deadliest tornado in the United States so far this year, according to NOAA data.
"The Greenfield community has a long road ahead of them. But if their actions today are any indication of what lies ahead, they will emerge stronger and more united than ever," Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Dinkla said in a Tuesday night press conference.
How strong was the tornado in Greenfield, Iowa?
The National Weather Service in Des Moines began surveying the damage in Greenfield Wednesday, confirming the tornado was "at least" an EF-3. Results are subject to change as crews continue to evaluate damage and collect data.
An EF-3 tornado is characterized as a strong storm with severe levels of damage. Wind speeds typically range between 136-165 miles per hour.
"We understand there is a lot of chatter about ratings for various reasons. Please understand that as damage severity (and by virtue, tor rating) increases, extreme care is taken to ensure assessments are accurate and thorough," NWS Des Moines wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Watch: Gov. Kim Reynolds, FEMA officials press conference (May 23, 2024)
Reynolds has issued a Disaster Emergency Proclamation for the following counties:
- Adair
- Adams
- Black Hawk
- Buena Vista
- Butler
- Cass
- Cedar
- Clay
- Clinton
- Dubuque
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Harrison
- Humboldt
- Iowa
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Kossuth
- Marshall
- Mills
- Montgomery
- Muscatine
- O'Brien
- Page
- Palo Alto
- Polk
- Pottawattamie
- Story
- Tama
- Warren
The proclamation allows for grants up to $5,000 for qualifying individuals. Click here to read more about eligibility criteria and to apply for assistance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued the following statement:
On behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 7 family, we send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed and injured by the severe weather that impacted the Midwest on Tuesday, particularly the state of Iowa. Recovery will take some time. But Midwesterners are resilient. So are the local and state first responders who acted courageously in dangerous conditions to save lives and provide immediate assistance. We commend them.
FEMA will continue to be in close contact with our state and tribal partners as we have done during the severe weather, to provide any requested support. In the meantime, we encourage residents and business owners to follow the advice of local and state officials and to be focused on safety as the recovery begins.
Where is Greenfield, Iowa?
Greenfield is located approximately 55 miles southwest of Des Moines, in Adair County. According to the 2020 census, the town is home to around 2,178 people.
How many tornadoes did Iowa have on Tuesday, May 21?
The National Weather Service in Des Moines has three survey teams out in central Iowa: one in Greenfield, one near Corning and another near Ankeny/Huxley.
The NWS field office in Omaha will also be surveying damage in western and southwestern Iowa. While it is confirmed that multiple tornadoes touched down in Iowa on Tuesday, an exact number is still yet to be confirmed.