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Today in History: Greenfield Tornado Strikes Iowa with 309 MPH Winds

5/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On May 21, 2024, an EF4 tornado devastated Greenfield, Iowa, with peak winds reaching 185 mph and estimated gusts exceeding 309 mph. The tornado caused over $31 million in damage, destroying buildings and wind turbines, resulting in five fatalities and 35 injuries. It marked one of the most intense tornadoes recorded in U.S. history.

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Story summary

On May 21, 2024, an EF4 tornado devastated Greenfield, Iowa, with peak winds reaching 185 mph and estimated gusts exceeding 309 mph. The tornado caused over $31 million in damage, destroying buildings and wind turbines, resulting in five fatalities and 35 injuries. It marked one of the most intense tornadoes recorded in U.S. history.