(Winterset) Madison County Emergency Management Director Diogenes Ayala reported that Madison County’s tornado was an EF3.
In its preliminary report, the National Weather Service says the EF3 tornado carried wind speeds of 136-155 miles per hour, spanning 13.7 miles damaging or destroying 52 homes. The violent storm claimed the lives of four adults and two children. Ayala identified the victims as 63-year-old Melissa Bazley, 64-year-old Rodney Clark, 72-year-old Cecilia Lloyd, 37-year-old Michael Bolger, 5-year-old Kenley Bolger, and 2-year-old Owen Bolger.
Madison County officials ask volunteers to check in at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers will take a bus to volunteer locations. They are also seeking shifts for tomorrow and Tuesday.
The Madison County Livestock Auction (sale barn) is open for livestock that needs shelter. The number is 515-669-0235.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Madison County.
The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to help with response and recovery efforts. Additional counties may be added to the declaration. Residents can report damage to HomelandSecurity.Iowa.gov.
Previous story on Saturday:
A large tornado damaged homes, outbuildings, trees, and downed powerlines in Madison County late Saturday afternoon. Trained weather spotters reported a tornado on the ground at around 4:35 p.m., two-miles southwest of Winterset.
Madison County Emergency Management Director Diogenes Ayala confirmed six deaths; four adults and two children under five years of age. Three adults suffered a serious injury, and another adult was taken to a Des Moines hospital with life-threatening injuries. Ayala said the tornado severely damaged 25 to 30 homes.
An emergency shelter is set up at New Bridge Church at 1305 W. Jefferson St. in Winterset. Madison County authorities continue to request the public to avoid the impacted disaster areas to allow emergency responders room to work. Response operations are ongoing and emergency responders are continuing to assess the impacts from the storm.
To view a video of the tornado courtesy of Jay Gibson, click here: Tornado Video.
Thunderstorms that spawned tornadoes moved through much of Iowa for hours with the storm, causing damage in the Des Moines suburb of Norwalk, areas just east of Des Moines, and other areas of eastern Iowa.
