Iowa
Essex tornado: Twin twisters in Iowa, warning in Yorktown and Imogene | Watch
Twin tornadoes were heading for Essex, Iowa on Thursday. The National Weather Service also issued a warning for Yorktown and Imogene. Locals and storm chasers posted videos of the wedge twister on social media, warning others about the size and damage.
The warning, activated at 8:51 PM CDT, covers northeastern Fremont County, southwestern Montgomery County, and northwestern Page County, with Essex directly in the storm’s path
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NWS warning for Iowa counties
The National Weather Service, in a press release, said that a ‘life-threatening’ tornado emergency was issued for Essex, Iowa. At 8:49 PM CDT, radar and eyewitness reports confirmed the tornado, described as ‘extremely dangerous and potentially deadly’, located 3 miles west of Essex, approximately 13 miles southwest of Red Oak. Moving east at 30 mph, the tornado is expected to reach Essex around 8:55 PM CDT.
The agency further warned of catastrophic damage, including complete destruction of mobile homes, severe damage to homes and businesses, and deadly flying debris. Hail up to 2.75 inches in diameter was also reported, adding to the storm’s destructive potential.
“This is a particularly dangerous situation,” the National Weather Service stated in an urgent bulletin. “Take cover now!” Residents were advised to seek immediate shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. Those in mobile homes, vehicles, or outdoors were urged to find the nearest substantial shelter to protect against life-threatening debris.
The tornado’s path threatens widespread devastation, with potential for flattened homes, overturned vehicles, and significant infrastructure damage. Social media posts from storm chasers and weather enthusiasts captured the tornado’s intensity, with one describing it as a ‘very large, serious tornado’ hitting Essex. Authorities emphasized the need for immediate action, warning that even areas outside the tornado’s direct path could experience dangerous winds exceeding 100 mph.
Local emergency services are on high alert, and residents are urged to stay tuned to local media and weather alerts for updates. The warning remains in effect until 9:15 PM CDT, with officials continuing to monitor the storm’s progression.
Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa State Patrol said it responded to 206 calls for service after another weekend winter storm Saturday.
From 5:30 am to 5:30 pm, ISP said it covered 88 crashes, with 74 resulting in property damage.
Officials said one person died and 13 others were injured.
The patrol had 118 motorist assists.
Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.
See Iowa DOT snowplow camera capture moment SUV rear ends plow
An Iowa DOT snowplow was hit while clearing snow along Iowa Highway 60 in Sioux County on Nov. 29, 2025. The crash was caught on the plow’s cameras.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, for a large swath of the state, from northwest Iowa to much of central Iowa and southeast Iowa.
Drivers should expect slippery conditions.
Snow fell through the morning with accumulations of 2 to 3 inches across most of Iowa, according to the National Weather Service. The light, fluffy snow will taper off in the afternoon.
The weather service advises that snow-covered roads will make travel slick and more difficult and to use caution.
The counties affected include Pocahontas, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Warren, Marion, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello and Davis.
Where did snow fall the most in Iowa?
Southern Iowa felt the brunt of the snow Saturday morning, with some areas experiencing nearly five inches of accumulation. Here are the highest totals so far in Iowa:
- Milton: 4.5 inches
- Parnell: 4.5 inches
- Norwalk: 3.8 inches
- Badger: 3.5 inches
- Bloomfield: 3.3 inches
- Carroll: 3.2 inches
- Buffalo: 3.2 inches
- North English: 3 inches
- Winterset: 2.6 inches
How much snow has fallen in Des Moines?
The Des Moines International Airport reported 1.2 inches of snow as of 6 a.m. Saturday. Norwalk, just south of Des Moines, reported 3.8 inches of snow by 10:30 a.m. Clive reported 2.7 inches of snow at 10 a.m.
How much snow did Iowa City get?
North Liberty, just north of Iowa City, reported three inches of snow as of 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Tiffin, which is to the northwest of Iowa City, reported 2.7 inches of snow at 10 a.m.
Roads across the state are covered in snow
The Iowa DOT reported that, as of 11 a.m., many of central Iowa’s highways and interstates were completely covered with snow. The organization said travel on I-80 from central Iowa to the Illinois border is not advised.
“Visibility and road conditions are deteriorating rapidly, causing multiple crashes and closing lanes,” the DOT said in a social media post around 11 a.m.
More snow followed by frigid temps
A cold weather advisory is in effect for much of northern, central and southeastern Iowa into Sunday morning. In the Des Moines area, wind chill values could drop to as low as -15. Wind chills across the state are expected between -20 and -30 starting at 6 p.m. Saturday.
(This article has been updated to include new information.)
CLARKE COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – An Iowa man was charged Friday in connection to a deadly horse-drawn buggy crash that killed a teenager last month.
Jacob Wright, 41, of Grand River, is facing charges including involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of a deadly accident.
The crash happened in Clarke County on November 12. According to the crash report, Wright’s car hit the back of the buggy and ran it into a ditch.
Elmer Borntrager, 16, was thrown from the buggy and died at the scene.
Police found Wright’s damaged vehicle days later about five miles from the crash scene.
Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.
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