Tornado Strikes Mapleton Iowa

The information received here at CSW is that a tornado has caused considerable damage in the west-central Iowa city of Mapleton- population about 1400 people.

The tornado- described as "large" by at least one storm spotter struck during the 7 p.m. hour.


Reports as of around 9 p.m. were that "95% of the west side" and "50-60%" of Mapleton had been damaged or destroyed and all power was out in the town.


A Tornado Watch was in effect as well as a Tornado Warning.

The SIOUX CITY JOURNAL reports there have been "multiple injuries-" but no reports of fatalities.

There were also reports of possibly persons trapped in debris and snowplows were requested in the city to clear streets of debris.


Iowa Governor Branstad has approved an emergency declaration for Monona county.

Between 8:45 and 9:15 p.m.- tornadoes also reportedly struck the Iowa communities of Early and Nemaha- with heavy damage reported in both areas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCpQuYypxgc&feature=player_detailpage

There have been no reports yet of any injuries in those twisters.

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