DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI/KCRG) – The tornado that tracked across portions of Fremont and Page counties in Southwest Iowa during Thursday night’s storms appears to be the widest tornado on record for Iowa, measuring more than 1.5 miles wide at times with winds up to 110 mph. The National Weather Service says the EF-1 tornado touched town near Randolph, then tracked south of Imogene and then just north of Essex before dissipating near Nyman. The tornado was on the ground for 19.7 miles. Wind speeds up to 110 mph damaged numerous power poles as well as several farm outbuildings, with severe damage to several of the buildings south of Imogene. At one point, the tornado was roughly 3,130 yards wide, or around 1.75 miles. This would make it around 500 yards wider than the previous record holder, a tornado that struck near Pocahontas on April 9, 2011, that was around 1.5 miles wide. While the tornado was extremely wide, wind speeds appear to have topped out around 110 mph. However, given the rural area, it is possible that winds were stronger in parts of the tornado’s path, but did not damage anything significant enough for the National Weather Service to assign a higher rating. Tornadoes greater than 1.5 miles in width are extremely rare, with only 30 recorded tornadoes reaching that size across the country.
MARION, Iowa (KCRG) – The city of Marion is speaking out after a small group of people, identifying as a neo-Nazi organization, gathered in Uptown Marion for a demonstration on Saturday. The city said in a statement: “The City is aware of a small demonstration that occurred earlier today in Uptown Marion by a group identifying as a neo-Nazi organization. While their views do not reflect the values of our community, they did have a First Amendment right to peaceful assembly and expression. Marion is a place where all people are welcome, valued and respected. We embrace diversity and are committed to building an accessible community where people of all cultures and identities can thrive.” TV9 did confirm with Marion Police that they received several calls about the demonstration throughout the morning.
KALONA, Iowa (KCRG) – The Kalona Fire Department responded to a barn fire Sunday morning, northwest of Kalona. Authorities said the call came in around 10:30 for a milking barn on Eagle Avenue and 560th Street, fully engulfed in flames. First responders said the cattle were not inside the barn when the fire broke out. Firefighters said the fire likely started in the engine room, but the cause of the fire was undetermined.
MARION, Iowa (KCRG) – One person has been arrested in connection to a wrong way driver crash that killed one and injured three others. Police said a Saturn Car had been driving north on Highway 13 when it collided with a Honda CRV. 18-year-old Yoseph Abera was pronounced dead on the scene. Friday, Deputies arrested 32-year-old, Katie Austin-Karkow after she turned herself in. She is charged with homicide by vehicle-operating while under the influence.
