In May, a Tornado devastated Greenfield, Iowa, leaving five dead and dozens injured.
The tornado, which also led to widespread property damage, is now confirmed to be one of the most devastating ever recorded.
“Gut-Wrenching” Tornado
Between May 22-23, 2024, 26 tornadoes were reported across Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Of these, at least 21 struck Iowa.
Following the tornadoes, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds held a press conference in the devastated town of Greenfield. “It’s just gut-wrenching. It’s horrific. It’s hard to describe until you can actually see it, the devastation,” said Reynolds.
Mysteries Continue
While the storm was up to 1,000 feet wide at certain points, according to the National Weather Service, it had narrowed significantly by the time it got to Greenfield.
However, reporting from the Des Moines Register says that a radar truck known as the Doppler on Wheels (or DOW) could solve the mystery as to why this was the case.
Stunning Tornado Data
The Doppler on Wheels recorded winds that surpassed 300 miles-per-hour in Greenfield, Iowa.
This is only the third time scientists have ever calculated wind speeds that high within a tornado – making it a world record contender.
How Tornado Speeds Were Recorded
The Doppler on Wheels radar truck was operated by a team of researchers at the University of Illinois.
Meanwhile, adventurous storm chasers took readings of the tornado from multiple angles; allowing new findings about the true scale of the tornado.
Tornado Given Rating
Currently, the official rating of the Greenfield tornado is EF4 – the second strongest on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
However, the National Weather Service has said additional analysis could see this rating change. An EF5 – the highest rating – requires speeds of above 200 miles-per-hour.
What Scientists Say
Tornadoes such as that recorded in Greenfield are highly unusual – something which was pointed out by Tony Lyza, a scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory.
Speaking to NBC, he said, “Tornadoes producing this intensity and this kind of damage are rare in the United States. We only get a handful of these each year.”
What Other Tornadoes Have Reached 300MPH?
The Greenfield tornado, which reached estimated wind speeds of 309-318 miles-per-hour, represents only the third tornado to exceed the 300 miles-per-hour mark.
Previously, a 2013 tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma reached wind speeds of 291-336 miles-per-hour, while a 1999 Bridgecreek, Oklahoma tornado is estimated to have reached 321 miles-per-hour.
Social Media Reacts
Though the record-breaking figures emerging from the Greenfield tornado are shocking, they have not surprised locals who saw first hand the devastation it caused. “Wouldn’t be surprised [if it reached 300 miles-per-hour]. That thing was a beast”, said one Reddit user.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the tornado, one person Tweeted, “Driving through Greenfield, IA is sobering. Still demoing structures, shredded still standing trunks, wind rowed dirt and debris still everywhere, and finally the wind turbines remain where they were when the tornado took them down. You cannot help but feel the intensity of this tornado.”
Extreme Weather Continues
Over the past six weeks, various forms of extreme weather have hit America – from tornados and flooding to extreme heat.
Recently, Washington D.C., reached a scorching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Rapidan Dam partially failed earlier this week due to extreme flooding – leading one family home to wash away.
