On Friday, March 31, two tornadoes impacted Keokuk and Washington Counties. The more severe of the two has been classified at a maximum of EF-4 by the National Weather Service Quad Cities office. An EF-4 tornado is characterized by wind gusts between 166 and 200 miles per hour.

As damage assessments continue in Keokuk county, preliminary numbers indicate 19 homes destroyed, 10 homes with major damage, 4 with minor damage, and an additional 12 affected. Washington County numbers report 5 farmsteads destroyed, 1 farmstead with major damage, 2 homes affected, 1 home with minor damage, 2 agriculture properties destroyed, and 1 public communications tower destroyed.

One injury was reported in Keokuk County, with no fatalities reported in either county.

Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Keokuk and Washington Counties, and activated Individual Assistance and Disaster Case Management. Emergency Management has been in contact with Reynolds, as well as local organizations to meet any needs of individuals and families affected by the disaster. Any requests for assistance can be routed to Washington County Emergency Management Agency at 319-653-3015.

KCII will have more updates as they become official.