Thousands still without power in Iowa
Weather service says at least five tornadoes hit
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — Thousands of people were without power Friday after a flurry of unexpected tornadoes swept through central Iowa, injuring at least 17 people and flattening buildings in three cities.
The storms even surprised weather forecasters when they hit the region Thursday afternoon, causing extensive damage to a manufacturing plant and prompting the evacuation of a hospital.
The National Weather Service said Friday that at least five tornadoes and likely more struck. Meteorologist Jeff Johnson said it will take days to determine their strength and total number.
The most extensive damage was in Marshalltown, a city of 27,000 people where 10 people were injured, brick walls collapsed into the streets, roofs were blown off buildings and the cupola of the historic courthouse tumbled to the ground.
Heavy equipment crews worked around the courthouse lawn Friday to remove entire trees blown over or shredded by the storm. The loud beep of backing trucks and grinding chain saws echoed several blocks away. Businesses and homes had gaping holes, some with roofs torn off or collapsed inward.
Terri Shetler, owner of an embroidery shop, was digging out her 2017 Toyota Sienna. The vehicle’s windows were blown out and it was filled with mud, shingles and wood slivers. A front quarter panel was missing. She’d parked the car across the street from her shop, where she took shelter in the basement during the storm.
“I’m pretty shaken. I came out and saw the courthouse and all this,” she said. “But it can be replaced.”
With tears running down her face, Crystal Jensen explained how the storm blew away photos and a bracelet from her father who died two months ago. She ran to the basement when she saw debris coming toward the house. The storm blew over in just three minutes, she said.
“I just lost my dad two months ago and this happened,” she said through the tears. “I’m kind of at a loss.”