Tornado outbreak strikes Midwest

Areas in Iowa, Nebraska suffer significant damage

Multiple “large and extremely dangerous” tornadoes touched down across the Midwest on Friday, according to the National Weather Service, and officials in Iowa have said the town of Minden, Iowa, suffered significant damage but no reported fatalities as of Friday night.

Officials and storm chasers posted video and photos of what looks to be catastrophic damage in Minden, about 90 minutes west of Des Moines. The images showed houses and businesses leveled by the storm.

In response to the severe weather Friday night, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Pottawattamie County, which includes Minden. The proclamation initiates the

Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, which provide assistance for disaster recovery.

The region, and areas beyond, braced for the possibility of more severe weather over the weekend with storms causing frequent lightning and severe wind gusts over the middle Mississippi Valley and central and southern Plains.

Large outbreak in Iowa

The National Weather Service in Des Moines posted early Saturday morning that preliminary reports indicate at least 10 tornadoes struck central Iowa in Friday’s storms, based on initial damage information. At least one injury was reported.

The agency confirmed a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” over Pleasant Hill, just east of Des Moines.

Those in the area were in “a lifethreatening situation,” the agency said. “Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible.”

KCCI reported that the Pleasant Hill tornado was “lofting” debris into the air.

KCCI meteorologist Jason Sydejko said the system was “one of the most intense rotational signatures” seen during the storms.

At a junior high school in Pleasant Hill, a production of “Annie Jr.” was stopped and the audience was ushered to shelter in the hallway.

Several of the city’s cross-streets were completely blocked by emergency crews and tree debris. Traffic seemed to be trying to leave the surrounding neighborhoods, which were without power.

Expansive storm system

A tornado was spotted on the ground in southeast Nebraska where several warnings have been placed for the western portions of the Omaha metro area.

In Nebraska and western Iowa, a swath of damage stretched from just northeast of Lincoln, Nebraska, all the way to near Soldier, Iowa. The National Weather Service in Omaha, Nebraska, issued 42 tornado warnings during the outbreak.

At least three other tornadoes were reported, including one near Bird City, Kansas; one in Yoder, Wyoming; and another near Akron, Colorado, according to the National Weather Service.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation due to the severe weather.

“I encourage all Kansans to have an emergency kit and a family plan in preparation for a tornado,” Kelly said. “Stay updated on local weather conditions by listening to a NOAA weather radio or local TV and radio stations. Once a warning is activated, it is important to take cover.”