Strong storms wreaked havoc in parts of the middle U.S. on Tuesday, with tornadoes touching down in Kansas and Iowa, causing damage and leaving two people injured.
In northeastern Kansas, an EF-1 tornado with winds reaching up to 100 mph tore through the town of Richland, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Two individuals were hurt when their RV was overturned by the powerful twister, although the extent of their injuries remains unknown. Nearby Overbrook also suffered damage to buildings and trees as a result of the storm.
Meanwhile, in central Iowa, a tornado demolished a barn and caused damage to other structures in a rural area of Dallas County. Ping pong ball-sized hail was reported in Bloomfield, near the Missouri border, but fortunately, there were no reports of injuries in that area.
The National Weather Service issued warnings for severe weather across the central U.S., with thunderstorms expected in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and northwestern Illinois. Large hail and damaging winds were potential threats, with isolated storms also possible in the mid-South.
In Missouri, an American Eagle flight bound for Chicago was forced to return to Kansas City International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a possible lightning strike. Additionally, a camper was overturned and a building lost its roof near Smithville Lake in western Missouri, with reports of downed trees and power lines in surrounding communities.
As the region braces for more severe weather, residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.