Iowa Disaster Recovery - Spring 2024

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May 21, 2024 Tornadoes, Winds and Flash Flooding

During the afternoon hours of May 21st, 2024, a cold front produced a line of strong thunderstorms which produced multiple strong tornadoes throughout the state, including one which led to significant damage in the town of Greenfield, IA, among other locations. This line of storms also produced torrential rainfall, damaging winds, and hail leading to widespread tree damage and power outages throughout the state. EF-4 tornado damage was confirmed in Greenfield, EF-3 Damage in NW Adams County, and EF-2 damage in Polk into Story County.

Governor's Proclamations

• May 24 - 10 counties (Calhoun, Cerro Gordo, Johnson, Keokuk, Marion, Scott, Shelby, Union, Washington, & Wright Counties)
• May 22 - 17 counties (Black Hawk, Buena Vista, Butler, Cedar, Clinton, Dubuque, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Mills, Muscatine, O'Brien, Polk & Story Counties)
• May 21 - 15 counties (Adair, Adams, Cass, Clay, Hardin, Harrison, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Montgomery, Page, Palo Alto, Pottawattamie, Tama, & Warren Counties)

Press Releases

State of Iowa Governor's Office

• May 24 - Gov. Reynolds announces approval of Presidential Major Disaster Declaration
• May 24 - Gov. Reynolds issues Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for 10 additional counties
• May 23 - Gov. Reynolds requests expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration 
• May 22 - Gov. Reynolds issues Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for 17 additional counties
• May 21 - Gov. Reynolds authorizes Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for 15 counties

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• May 25 - FEMA to Open Disaster Recovery Center in Greenfield
• May 25 - FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Ringgold, Union and Clarke Counties
• May 25 - FEMA Teams to Canvass Greenfield to Help Tornado Survivors
• May 22 - FEMA to Open Disaster Centers in Pottawattamie and Shelby counties in Iowa

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

• May 26 - SBA to Open Business Recovery Center in Greenfield to Help Businesses
• May 24 - SBA Stands Ready to Assist Iowa Businesses and Residents Affected by Severe Storms

How to Apply with FEMA

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Download and use the FEMA app
• FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis.
• Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

Volunteers

Starting Tuesday morning (5/28), volunteers should check in at Cardinal Glass (716 NE 6th St, Greenfield) for credentialing. 

Volunteers are needed for debris cleanup, donation sorting, lost and found sorting, and walking fields. All volunteers entering town will need to stop at the north check in point. They will be directed to Cardinal Glass for volunteer check in, to meet their team leader, and receive a volunteer assignment. Volunteer shifts will begin at 9am with check-in ending at 4pm. Volunteers will need to bring a drivers license, closed toed shoes, pants, gloves and safety glasses. Volunteers must be high school aged or older. Personal protective equipment, tools, water, and snacks will be provided to volunteers.

Volunteer contractors or volunteers with heavy equipment should check-in at the Iowa DOT maintenance garage at 2313 Iowa Highway 92 in Greenfield.

Any organizations or individuals wanting to request volunteer assistance can do so by calling 641-631-6555 between 7:00am-7:00pm. 

Donations

Physical Donations 

Officials are now requesting the following donation items:

• An assortment of various NEW tires for pickups and utility trucks.
• Chainsaws, chains, chain oil and other supplies.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as chaps and cut-resistant clothing items for debris removal. 

Call 913-961-4717 for exact donation locations for these specific items.

Monetary Donations

Monetary donations can be dropped off at all branches of Union State Bank and First National Bank. Make an online donation through the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation. Please add a note that your donation is for tornado recovery.