(The Center Square) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds visited Greenfield on Wednesday, where a tornado destroyed homes and killed several people.
The National Weather Service in Des Moines said in a Facebook post Wednesday that the tornado was at least an EF-3, with winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour.
An NWS survey team also tracked an EF-2 tornado from Johnston to the south of Zearing.
Authorities are still assessing the damage and have not released an exact number of killed or injured people in Tuesday’s storms.
“The community of Greenfield is strong. Amid the devastation, there is hope and resilience,” Reynolds said in a Facebook post that included pictures of the damage. “Progress is already visible, and it will continue. Thank you to emergency management, first responders, law enforcement, health care providers, and everyone supporting the effort. God bless Greenfield. Our prayers are with you.”
The governor added 17 more counties to her emergency proclamation on Wednesday afternoon. Fifteen were included in her initial declaration on Tuesday night.
Households with incomes of up to 200% of the federal poverty level could receive up to $5,000 for repairs, food or clothing replacement and temporary housing expenses under the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program.
A separate program, the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, has no income eligibility requirements and is open from 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation, according to Reynolds’ office.
