Strong storms wreaked havoc in parts of the central U.S. on Tuesday, unleashing tornadoes in Kansas and Iowa. An EF-1 tornado struck near Richland, Kansas, around 6 a.m., reaching speeds of up to 100 mph and causing damage for about 20 minutes. Two individuals sustained injuries when their RV overturned during the tornado, while buildings and trees suffered damage in Overbrook.
In central Iowa, a tornado demolished a barn and damaged other structures in a rural area of Dallas County. Ping-pong ball-sized hail was reported in Bloomfield, near the Missouri border, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
Two homes sustained substantial damage in eastern Iowa, specifically in Yarmouth and Mediapolis, according to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, but fortunately, there were no injuries.
The National Weather Service issued severe weather warnings for parts of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and northwestern Illinois, anticipating thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds. Additionally, isolated storms were possible in the mid-South.
In Missouri, American Eagle Flight 3661 returned to Kansas City International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a possible lightning strike. Maintenance crews inspected the aircraft for damage, and passengers were accommodated on alternative flights.
A camper was overturned, and a building lost its roof during a storm near Smithville Lake in western Missouri, affecting an 11-year-old boy and his parents who sought shelter in a campground bathroom. Fortunately, they and their pets were safe, albeit losing most of their belongings.
In Iowa, the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple small tornadoes spawned by a fast-moving storm, resulting in damage to backyard play equipment and downed trees.
Downed trees and power lines were also reported in various communities near Kansas City.
CBS Chicago warned of an evening severe storm threat with damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. A tornado watch expired at 10 p.m. for several counties west of Chicago and in south-central and southwest Wisconsin.
Heavy rain led to the postponement of a Tuesday night baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field. It will now be rescheduled as part of a double-header on Wednesday.
Meteorologist Mike Bettes from The Weather Channel forecasted more active storms moving eastward and southward, affecting Milwaukee, Chicago, Michigan, Ohio, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Cleveland on Wednesday.
