Tornado Warning Lifted for Southwest Henry County, Iowa: Authorities Update Residents on Safety Status

Tornado warning Lifted for Henry County, Iowa after Severe Storms

Published: April 29, 2024, 12:05 AM

MT. PLEASANT,Iowa – A tornado warning for southwestern Henry County,Iowa,has been cancelled as a severe thunderstorm moved through the region Monday night. The warning, initially in effect until midnight, was lifted as the storm appeared to weaken, though it remained perhaps tornadic for a period.

Storm Tracking and Key Moments

Throughout the evening, KWQC TV-6 tracked the supercell thunderstorm as it approached the mt. Pleasant area. Here’s a timeline of key developments:

• 11:33 PM: The storm was identified as a supercell thunderstorm, indicating a high potential for severe weather.
• 11:37 PM: Residents in Mt. Pleasant,Salem,and areas east of Highway 218 were urged to take shelter.
• 11:40 PM: The primary rotation of the storm was located south of mt. Pleasant.
• 11:43 PM: The storm continued heading towards the Mt.Pleasant area.
• 11:44 PM: While the storm’s footprint shrank, rotation persisted, maintaining the potential for tornado development.
• 11:48 PM: The storm moved northeast, near the intersection of Highway 218 and Highway 34.
• 11:51 PM: A hook echo – a potential indicator of tornado formation – was observed near Highway 218.
• 11:56 PM: the tornado warning expired at midnight as the storm weakened.

power outages Reported

MidAmerican Energy reported power outages in Henry County, Iowa, as the storm passed through.A KWQC TV-6 viewer confirmed outages and reported heavy wind gusts and downed tree limbs.

Authorities continue to assess any damage caused by the storm. Residents are encouraged to report any damage to local authorities.

Copyright 2024 KWQC. all rights reserved.

What actions should residents of Mount Pleasant and New London take to assess safety after the tornado warning was lifted?

Current Status & Timeline of Events

As of 8:47 PM CDT on August 12, 2025, the tornado warning for Southwest Henry County, Iowa, has been lifted. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the warning earlier this evening following radar-indicated rotation and confirmed funnel cloud sightings. The affected areas included Mount Pleasant and New London. The all-clear was given after conditions improved and no tornado touchdowns were confirmed. Residents are now advised to monitor for severe thunderstorm activity, as the system continues to move eastward.

Impacted Locations within Henry County

The following locations were specifically included in the tornado warning area:

mount Pleasant

New London

Olds

Wapello

Salem

Residents in these towns were urged to take immediate shelter. While no damage has been reported at this time, authorities continue to assess the situation. Local emergency management teams are on standby.

what to Do After a Tornado Warning is Lifted

Even though the immediate threat has passed, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Here’s a checklist for post-tornado warning safety:

1. Assess Your Surroundings: Carefully check for any damage to your property. Look for downed power lines, broken tree limbs, and structural issues.
2. Report Damage: Contact your local authorities to report any damage you observe. This helps with damage assessment and resource allocation.
3. Power Outages: Be prepared for potential power outages. Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup power source readily available. Avoid using candles due to fire risk.
4. Downed Power Lines: Never approach downed power lines. Assume they are live and perilous. Report them promptly to your utility company.
5. Stay Informed: Continue monitoring weather updates from the NWS and local news sources. Additional severe weather may be possible.

Understanding Tornado Watches vs. tornado Warnings

It’s important to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning:

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in the area. Be prepared to take action if a warning is issued. This means staying informed and having a plan.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediatly. This is a serious threat to life and property.

Safety Resources & Important Contacts

Here are some vital resources for staying safe during severe weather events:

National Weather Service (NWS): https://www.weather.gov/

Henry County Emergency Management: [phone]

Iowa homeland Security & Emergency Management: https://www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/

American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS (https://www.redcross.org/)

Preparing for Future Severe Weather Events

Proactive preparation is key to minimizing risk during severe weather. Consider these steps:

Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss what to do in case of a tornado, including a designated safe room and communication plan.

Build an Emergency Kit: Include essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a weather radio.

sign Up for Alerts: Register for local emergency alerts to receive timely warnings and updates. Many counties offer text or email alerts.

Know your Safe Room: Identify the safest place in your home or building – typically a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest level.

real-World Example: 2023 Iowa Derecho

While not a tornado, the 2023 derecho that swept across Iowa serves as a stark reminder of the power of severe weather. The widespread damage caused by straight-line winds highlighted the importance of preparedness and heeding warnings from authorities. The event led to notable agricultural losses and widespread power outages, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of extreme weather. This event underscores the need for robust emergency plans and community resilience.

Benefits of Staying Informed During Severe Weather

Staying informed about severe weather conditions offers numerous benefits:

Increased Safety: Timely warnings allow you to take protective measures, reducing the risk of injury or death.

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