ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on Tuesday he sent eight first responders from Minnesota to help Iowans in the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck the southwestern part of the state on May 21.
The EF-4 tornado touched down in the area around Greenfield, killing five and injuring at least 35 people. Iowa's severe weather happened in tandem with other powerful storms that swept across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Illinois, as well as Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas in the days following.
The National Weather Service later reported an EF-1 tornado occurred in Winona County near Rollingstone, Minnesota. Officials estimated peak wind speeds around 105 mph.
"Across the country, we had 21 people killed in a rash of storms," Walz said in a press conference Tuesday. "Our neighbors in Iowa are stressed to the breaking point, trying to recover... We were spared from most of this over the weekend — our neighbors were not. So, just so you know, we’ve got Minnesotans down there on that, on that mission."
The eight Minnesotans providing relief efforts in Iowa are all members of the Minnesota All Hazards Incident Management Team (MN-AHIMT), who are "highly trained" in a "variety of disciplines," including emergency management, firefighting, law enforcement and public works experts.
According to Walz, the group arrived in the state on Monday night at the request of Iowa officials.
"In the wake of this storm, we are stepping up to support our neighbors. My heart goes out to the community of Greenfield as they recover," said Walz.
In the days following the storm, the Associated Press noted the extent of damage sustained within the tornado's path. According to AP reporters, homes were destroyed, trees splintered and cars crumpled, while massive wind turbines were ripped apart.
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