GREENFIELD, IOWA – A powerful tornado wreaked havoc in this small town of 2,000 southwest of Des Moines, killing multiple persons and leveling structures in the community.
At 8:30 p.m. on May 21, 2024, Sgt. Alex Dinkla, the Iowa State Patrol public information officer, held a press conference in Adair County in the wake of a devastating tornado:
“Earlier today, the town of Greenfield was struck by a devastating tornado. Local, county, and state emergency responders quickly initiated search and rescue operations once the tornado passed through the area. The team at Adair County Memorial Hospital worked swiftly to assist the injured while also ensuring the safety of their facility, as it also sustained tornado damage. Due to the hospital damage, patients needing further treatment for injuries were transferred to nearby medical centers. Additionally, the Greenfield Community School District coordinated the establishment of a reunification point at the local high school. This location will also serve as a temporary shelter for Greenfield residents in need tonight. Sadly, we can confirm there were fatalities and injuries within the community of Greenfield from this tornado. We are still working to assess and update this information as it becomes available. A mandatory curfew of 10:00 p.m. is in effect tonight in Greenfield. The town will open back up at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. Law enforcement officials are checking identification of those wanting to enter the community. At this time, only Greenfield residents will be allowed past the checkpoints. Residents are grateful for the overwhelming support from neighboring communities and appreciate those eager to help. Food is being provided to residents and first responders East of the Fareway tonight. A food and water drop off location has been set up at the Department of Transportation (DOT) Facility located east of Greenfield. The address is 2313 Highway 92. Tomorrow, we will release more details regarding cleanup and volunteer efforts. If there are family members or friends unable to reach their loved ones that might have been impacted by the storm in Greenfield, we encourage you to call the Iowa Department of Public Safety Storm Lake Communication Center at 712.732.1341. The community of Greenfield has shown incredible unity during this challenging time, with neighbors and friends displaying remarkable compassion, empathy, and support. This town 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 before. Thank you.”
A local reported said today while in Greenfield to report, “Getting an up-close look at the extent of the damage here in #Greenfield after a violent tornado ripped through this small Iowa town. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Wednesday morning, Governor Kim Reynolds went to Greenfield to tour the destruction, which is still being assessed in terms of lives lost, injuries, and total property loss.
(TOP PHOTO via @meghankmac.)
Getting an up-close look at the extent of the damage here in #Greenfield after a violent tornado ripped through this small Iowa town.
I’ve never seen anything like this. Truly heartbreaking. @weareiowa5news #iawx pic.twitter.com/5y1F3PTkqP
— Meghan MacPherson (@meghankmac) May 22, 2024
