Disaster proclamation issued after Winterset tornado
10:56 p.m. Power returning to homes across Des Moines and Iowa
According to MidAmerican Energy, there are now fewer than 6,000 customers without power due to the severe weather and tornadoes that hit Iowa on Saturday.
To be exact, as of 10:56 p.m. Saturday, 5,671 customers were without power, including 4,904 in Des Moines. That’s down from 10,559 total and 10,318 without power as of 6:17 p.m.
MORE: Iowans share tales of damage, survival during Winterset tornado: ‘It was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced’
10:45 p.m. Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for Madison County
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Madison County late Saturday night in response to Saturday’s tornado and severe weather that killed six in Winterset, including two children younger than 5 years old.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the deadly storms that tore through our state today,” Reynolds said in a press release. “Kevin and I join with Iowans in prayer for those that lost their lives and those injured. Our hearts ache during this time, but I know Iowans will step up and come together to help in this time of need — they already are.”
The point of a governor’s proclamation is to allow state resources to be utilized in Madison County to assist with response and recovery efforts. Other Iowa counties may be added to the proclamation in the future.
10:18 p.m. Official says Winterset tornado hit 25-30 homes
Madison County Emergency Management Director Diogenes Ayala said four adults and two children under the age of 5 were killed Saturday when a tornado struck a neighborhood by Carver Road 3 miles southwest of Winterset at about 4:30 p.m.
Four adults were also injured, three seriously with life threatening injuries, Ayala said. One person with life-threatening injuries was taken to a Des Moines hospital with serious injuries, Ayala said.
The tornado hit about 25 to 30 homes and the fatalities were in different locations, Ayala said. He would not say how many residents live in the area because families were still being notified that people died. After hitting the neighborhood, the tornado continued northeast through Madison County.
“On Carver Road we saw the biggest impact of the tornadoes,” Ayala said. “On both sides there was a big impact to housing. Many people had their houses lost.”
An emergency shelter was set up at New Bridge Church at 1305 W. Jefferson St. in Winterset for anyone needing assistance.
Carver Road is closed Saturday night near the affected area. People were asked to avoid the affected area Saturday night. Volunteers can gather at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Sunday morning to help clean up.
EMS, firefighters and police officers from around central Iowa responded to search for victims, Ayala said. First responders are not still searching for anyone, Ayala said. Power is still out in some areas, he said.
The tornado will be remembered in Madison County, Ayala said.
“This is the worst that anyone’s seen in quite a long time,” Ayala said. “This will be impactful for many years to come.”
10:12 p.m. One reportedly killed in Chariton, Iowa
WHO TV reporter Dan Winters reported…
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