- Multiple injuries were reported after several tornadoes ripped through multiple cities in Iowa on Thursday.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour, and hail of up to two inches in diameter for east-central and southeast Iowa.
- A state of emergency was declared in Marshalltown, Iowa, where the National Weather Service reported "catastrophic damage."
Multiple injuries were reported after several tornadoes ripped through multiple cities in Iowa on Thursday afternoon.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour, and hail up to two inches in diameter for east-central and southeast Iowa.
Injuries have been reported in Pella, Iowa, after a tornado hit a factory where people were still working, the Associated Press reported.
A state of emergency was declared in Marshalltown, Iowa, where the National Weather Service reported "catastrophic damage."
"Everyone is advised to stay away from downtown Marshalltown until further notice," city administrator Jessica Kinser said in a statement, according to CNN. "We also ask that people stay off cell lines unless necessary, to allow for emergency phone traffic."
The regions affected by the tornado threat stretch from Iowa to Arkansas and cover an area home to around 13 million people, according to NBC News.
Video footage captures the damage from the tornadoes. Viewer discretion is advised:
Full video. This is crazy man @KCCINews @marshalltowntr pic.twitter.com/AvfXMg6THH
- Trenten (@tfinders34) July 19, 2018
Vermeer Plant in Pella #iawx #iowa #tornado pic.twitter.com/PKMLPLxhDM
- Jason Sydejko KCCI (@JSydejkoKCCI) July 19, 2018
😳😳 A MASSIVE tornado just tore through downtown Marshalltown, with catastrophic results. pic.twitter.com/v8arqXzgAI
- KCCI News (@KCCINews) July 19, 2018
Unbelieve damage from #Marshalltown, Iowa after a powerful tornado hit the area.
We're continuing coverage of the severe storms across the central U.S. Stay with WeatherNation pic.twitter.com/pcR0D0hsMe
- WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) July 19, 2018