A spell of severe thunderstorms accompanied by tornadoes uprooted trees, downed powerlines and ripped off roofs as it rolled across Iowa.
According to authorities 10 tornado touchdowns were reported on Wednesday. The storm system started from western Iowa and moved eastwards. On Wednesday afternoon a tornado hit Corning and damaged three industrial buildings on the western side of the town. Around 40 people were evacuated briefly form the industrial area after the storm led to an argon gas leak. Luckily no one was injured in this.
Emergency officials got many calls of vehicles blown over in many regions of Iowa. By the time the storm system moved out of Iowa, 20 tornado warnings were issued. The people in this region have confirmed seeing funnel clouds which indicates formation of tornadoes. However, it is yet to be ascertained whether the damage was because of tornadoes or strong winds. A high school and a historical museum were damaged by a possible tornado. In Des Moines windows were ripped off from houses and a glass factory.
Tornadoes are a rare sight in November. The last time multiple tornadoes were reported was on 12th November, 2005 which left a trail of destruction across central Iowa. A total of 12 tornado touchdowns were reported on that night. Before 2005, the only time tornadoes were reported were on 29th November, 1991.
Severe weather warnings are still in place for the entire region.
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