A devastating tornado tore through Greenfield, Iowa, on Tuesday, killing four people and injuring at least 35 others. 🌪️ The small farming town, home to 2,000 residents, now faces widespread destruction with homes, wind turbines, and a local hospital reduced to rubble.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to search for survivors amid debris fields, while Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster emergency for 15 counties. \"It's horrific. It's hard to describe,\" she said, as officials prepared to request federal aid from President Joe Biden.
The Toll of the Storm
At least 14 injured residents were transported to hospitals outside the county, though officials warn the actual injury count is likely higher. The tornado, part of a larger storm system, was one of 23 reported twisters across Iowa on Tuesday. 📉 Images from Greenfield show crushed vehicles, uprooted trees, and splintered homes—a scene residents compared to a \"war zone.\"
Community Rallies Amid Chaos
With the local hospital damaged, a makeshift medical center was set up at a lumberyard. State Rep. Ray Sorensen described heroic efforts by residents, including using trucks to ferry the injured to safety. 🚚 \"We pulled a guy from the rubble… threw him in the back of a truck,\" he said.
More Storms on the Horizon
As recovery begins in Iowa, severe weather alerts expanded Wednesday to Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of the Northeast. The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes in Texas, including one near Austin. 🌩️ Travelers and locals are urged to stay vigilant as tornado watches remain active across multiple states.
