DES MOINES, Iowa – Tornadoes wreaked havoc in Iowa and Illinois, causing power outages and toppling trees on Friday. The turbulent weather followed in the wake of a fatal tornado that struck a small town, leaving devastation in its path.
The storm system originated in Nebraska before sweeping through central Iowa and crossing into Illinois. The National Weather Service confirmed the touchdown of a weak tornado in suburban Des Moines. Additional tornadoes were reported in areas near Iowa City and Moline, Illinois, with no reports of injuries or fatalities.
The inclement weather also brought heavy rainfall to parts of Iowa, with some areas receiving up to 8 inches over the past week. In Madison, Wisconsin, a church caught fire amid a thunderstorm, prompting a rapid response from firefighters to extinguish the blaze.
In Oklahoma, a tornado touched down for about an hour in Jackson County and neighboring counties as a slow-moving storm moved through the region. The storm caused power outages, damage to structures, and downed power lines in its path.
Anticipated severe weather throughout the Memorial Day weekend included a heightened risk of tornadoes in the Great Plains, particularly in Kansas and Oklahoma. In New Mexico, the combination of strong winds and low humidity raised concerns about wildfire susceptibility.
Matt Elliott, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, emphasized the need for vigilance in monitoring approaching thunderstorms during the peak tornado season in May. Residents were urged to stay informed and prepared for potentially severe weather conditions.
The latest storms unfolded against the backdrop of recovery efforts in Greenfield, Iowa, where residents were still reeling from a powerful tornado that struck earlier in the week. As the community grappled with heavy rains, hail, and gusty winds, residents reflected on the destruction and loss caused by the recent tornado outbreak.
As the weekend progressed, meteorologists warned of the potential for large hail, strong tornadoes, and damaging winds in various regions. Factors such as cold air from Canada, warm air from the Gulf of Mexico, and strong upper-level winds continued to fuel the tornado risk in May.
The impact of the severe weather was widespread, underscoring the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. Amid the challenges posed by tornadoes and storms, communities remained resilient, coming together to support one another in the aftermath of natural disasters.