Seven People Killed in Iowa Tornadoes

DES MOINES, Iowa -- At least seven people are dead after severe thunderstorms spawning tornadoes tear across Iowa Saturday.

The hardest hit area is in Madison County near Winterset.

"At this time we can confirm that we have six fatalities, including four adults and two children under the age of five. There are also four adults injured, three in serious condition and one transferred to a Des Moines hospital with life-threatening injuries," says Madison County Emergency Management Coordinator Diogenes Ayala.

He says the tornado touched down near Carver Road in Winterset then moved to the northeast.

Ayala is asking people to stay out of the area--that anyone who wants to help in clean-up efforts should contact the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

One person was also killed in Lucas County when a tornado touched down near Chariton.

The names of those killed have not been released.

In Polk County, much of the damage is centered near Pleasant Hill.

The Sheriff's office says a number of roads are closed, including:

• SE 6th Ave from the 8600 block to the 9200 block
• SE Vandalia from SE 68th St to SE 72nd St.
• Powers Drive, south of SE 9th Ave.
• SE 72nd St. north of Vandalia
• Yellow Banks Park near Pleasant Hill is also closed.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is helping people who live in the area area to get around blocked roads as they start the clean-up process.

There is also extensive storm damage in Norwalk, where police say homes and businesses have roof damage and a barn was leveled outside of town.

The American Red Cross says it's been in contact with local officials across the areas affected by the tornadoes assess the needs of the residents.

They say help has been provided to local agencies that support shelters and reception centers.

The Red Cross will have a team in Madison County to distribute snacks, water and relief supplies. They say Red Cross workers will also be setting up casework with those affected to help identify their needs and plan next steps.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Madison County.

The proclamation allows state resources to be utilized in Madison County to assist with response and recovery efforts. Additional counties may be added to the proclamation.

Her office says Governor Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg will be touring storm damage in Winterset Sunday afternoon.

Winterset Tornado Photos by permission Iowa Storm Chasing Network https://m.facebook.com/IowaStormChasing/  and IowaWeather.com