Granville, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — Severe thunderstorms ripped through Northwest Iowa early Sunday morning, leaving a path of significant destruction, particularly in agricultural communities and surrounding areas of O’Brien, Clay, and Cherokee Counties. While power has largely been restored across the region, the true extent of the damage to crops and infrastructure is now becoming tragically clear.

The storms, characterized by loud thunder and intense lightning that awoke residents in the pre-dawn hours, delivered devastating straight-line winds. Granville, in particular, suffered a direct hit. Reports indicate severe damage to a prominent grain storage facility, with silos crumpled and debris scattered across fields. The agricultural impact extends far beyond structures, as countless acres of corn and soybean fields throughout O’Brien, Clay, and Cherokee counties have been flattened, with crops laying down as if mowed by a colossal hand. This comes at a critical time in the growing season, raising serious concerns for farmers already grappling with market pressures.

Beyond the agricultural heartland, the storms left a visible scar on the landscape. Numerous large trees were uprooted, their massive root systems exposed, blocking roads and damaging homes. In Spencer, while earlier reports focused on power outages, the aftermath reveals widespread tree damage and reports of structural compromise to homes and businesses.

 

Whst grain storage should look like on left, and you can see the damaged bin behind it.  Right picture is the other side of that damaged bin in Granville on the north side.