The National Weather Service completed its initial survey of the areas struck by the storms on 5-21-24. See a report here. 

The most significant destruction was in Greenfield where nearly a third of the town was flattened by a tornado. The Iowa State Patrol has confirmed that four people died in Greenfield as a result of the tornado. Another woman died when her car was swept up by a tornado in Adams County. There are also dozens of injuries across the state from the storms.

For Greenfield, an emergency shelter for those without safe housing has been set up at Nodaway Valley Community High School at 410 NW 2nd Street.

The State of Iowa has announced a Disaster Declaration for 32 Iowa counties including: Adair, Adams, Black Hawk, Buena Vista, Butler, Cass, Cedar, Clay, Clinton, Dubuque, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Mills, Montgomery, Muscatine, O’Brien, Page, Palo Alto, Polk,  Pottawattamie, Story, Tama, and Warren. They have also requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration that will allow Federal dollars and agencies to help with clean-up and rebuilding.

While many Iowans experienced some damage – downed trees, powerlines, roof damage, etc. – Greenfield is the area that most needs clean-up and recovery assistance. Below are links to offer financial or physical help if you are interested.

Ways to Help:

The best way to help is a financial donation to the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation. They have set up a fund for direct Greenfield Tornado Relief here. 

Clean-up efforts are now being directed by the Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Agency. Check on their FB for where to check in each day. DO NOT TRY TO ENTER WITHOUT CREDENTIALS.

St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield is collecting a long list of needed items from nonperishable food to home supplies to pet food, and much more. They also have a post on their Facebook to help connect donors with parents in need of breast milk for their babies.

The Adair County Health and Fitness Center is collecting clothing, and offering some childcare. 

Because access to Greenfield is limited, Orient City Hall is accepting donations, which they will deliver. 

The Adair County Free Press is accepting donations of these items at their Creston News Advertiser office.

Adair County Health System is updating locations for medical care on its Facebook. If you are a medical professional seeking to help, contact them first. 

Local accounts have been set up for donations at FNB Bank and Union State Bank. 

American Red Cross – Iowa Region – Make a directed donation.

Salvation Army of Des Moines and Central Iowa – Make a directed donation.