Severe storms wreaked havoc in several areas of the central United States on Tuesday, resulting in tornadoes in Kansas and Iowa. One particularly powerful tornado caused injuries to two individuals.
An EF-1 tornado made landfall around 6 a.m. near Richland, a town in northeastern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service. The tornado had wind speeds of up to 100 mph and lasted for approximately 20 minutes.
A tornado wreaked havoc in a rural area of Dallas County, causing the destruction of a barn and damaging other buildings. Meanwhile, in Bloomfield, located just north of the Missouri line, ping pong ball-sized hail was reported by the weather service. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any injuries so far.
Iowa State Trooper Paul Gardner was on duty when he spotted a tornado. He quickly grabbed his camera and captured the incredible sight. Excited to share this rare footage, Trooper Gardner posted the video on social media for everyone to see.
According to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, two homes in the eastern Iowa communities of Yarmouth and Mediapolis suffered significant damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
According to the weather service, severe weather poses a threat to the central United States until Tuesday. Thunderstorms are anticipated in areas of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and northwestern Illinois, possibly accompanied by large hail and destructive winds. Additionally, isolated storms may occur in the mid-South region.
American Eagle Flight 3661, bound for Chicago, had to return to Kansas City International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a potential lightning strike. The aircraft is currently being inspected by maintenance workers to assess any potential damage. Passengers were subsequently accommodated on other flights.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Department reported that while they and their pets were unharmed, they suffered the loss of almost all their possessions.
According to the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa, the storm moved rapidly and generated multiple small tornadoes. Pictures taken in the affected area depict children’s play equipment in backyards destroyed by fallen trees.
Several communities near Kansas City experienced reports of downed trees and power lines.
According to CBS Chicago, the region experienced a severe storm threat on Tuesday evening. There was a possibility of damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. LaSalle and DeKalb counties, west of Chicago, as well as other counties in Illinois and Wisconsin, were under a tornado watch until 10 p.m. The cities of Rockford, Dixon, Peoria, Quincy, Janesville, and Madison were all impacted by the storm.
According to Bettes, severe weather is expected in Detroit, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Cleveland on Wednesday.
