Severe storms swept through parts of the middle U.S. on Tuesday, resulting in significant damage and the formation of tornadoes in Kansas and Iowa. One EF-1 tornado touched down near Richland, Kansas, with wind speeds reaching up to 100 mph and lasting for about 20 minutes. The tornado caused an RV to flip over, injuring two individuals. Details about the extent of their injuries were not immediately available. Additionally, buildings and trees in the nearby town of Overbrook were also damaged.
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, just north of the Missouri border, with no injuries immediately reported. The National Weather Service warned of severe weather threats in the central U.S., including thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds in parts of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and northwestern Illinois. Isolated storms were also possible in the mid-South region.
In Missouri, an American Eagle flight bound for Chicago had to return to Kansas City International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a possible lightning strike. Maintenance crews inspected the aircraft for damage, and passengers were accommodated on alternative flights. The Clay County Sheriff's Department reported a camper being overturned and a building losing its roof during a strong storm near Smithville Lake in western Missouri. Downed trees and power lines were also observed in various communities near Kansas City.
