Governor Kim Reynolds today requested a presidential disaster declaration for four Iowa counties affected by severe storms and tornadoes on Tuesday.
Tornadoes that ripped through much of the state on Tuesday caused severe damage in Greenfield, Iowa, killing four people there and a fifth person in nearby Adams County. At least 35 people were injured, authorities said.
Reynolds' request covers Adair, Polk, Story and Montgomery counties. The letter asks for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance Program and the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan Program to be activated in all four counties. Reynolds also requested that Adair County, where Greenfield is located, activate FEMA's Public Assistance Program.
Reynolds' office said more counties could be added if the request is approved.
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Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks with command center officials after touring tornado damage in Greenfield on Wednesday.
Charlie Neighborgal, Associated Press
The approval allows for FEMA personal assistance programs and other assistance to county residents who lost property or income due to the storm. The program provides housing assistance, property replacement, and other assistance to households and businesses. Losses covered by insurance will not be compensated.
FEMA's Public Assistance Program will provide grants to state and local governments, as well as some nonprofit organizations, to help with cleanup and recovery.
The National Weather Service confirmed damage consistent with an EF-3 tornado in Greenfield on Wednesday. EF-3 damage is equivalent to wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph. The Bureau of Meteorology says the assessment is subject to change.
The agency also confirmed that the tornado that struck Polk and Story counties was an EF-2 tornado with wind speeds reaching 135 mph.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is scheduled to visit Greenfield on Thursday to assess the damage, the agency said. Reynolds and Criswell are scheduled to hold a press conference at 11:15 a.m.
Tuesday's severe weather came nearly a month after multiple tornadoes ripped through Iowa in April, causing severe damage in Minden and killing one person. Biden approved a federal disaster declaration for those counties last week.
This satellite image taken Wednesday by a BlackSky Technology satellite shows the damage caused by the tornado that hit Greenfield the day before.
Provided by: BlackSky Technology
