More Severe Weather Threatens Iowa After Tornadoes Cause Widespread Damage

In Greenfield, Iowa, residents are bracing for more bad weather after three powerful tornadoes recently caused millions in damage. The tornadoes tore through the small city, leaving a trail of destruction that was visible block after block.

Kimberly Ergish, a resident of Greenfield, described the tornado that hit her home as “10 seconds of pure terror.” Ergish and her family survived with minor injuries, but many others were not as fortunate.

In just one minute, the tornado ripped apart more than 100 homes, creating a mile-long swath of devastation. Heavy equipment could be heard clearing the wreckage of splintered homes, smashed vehicles, and shredded trees.

Remarkably, houses and lawns just outside the tornado’s path remained untouched, highlighting the selective nature of the storm’s destruction. The tornado, with peak winds of 175-185 mph (109-115 kph), left the community of 2,000 in shock, killing four people and injuring at least 35.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds reported that more than 202 homes were destroyed by the series of tornadoes that struck the state on Tuesday, with most of the damage concentrated in and around Greenfield. This number does not account for businesses or other buildings, including Greenfield’s 25-bed hospital, which also suffered significant damage.

The human toll of the tornadoes is evident in the community’s grief. Among the victims were Dean and Pam Wiggins, whose deaths were confirmed by their grandson, Tom Wiggins.

As Greenfield continues to recover, the threat of additional severe weather looms, compounding the challenges faced by residents still reeling from the initial devastation.