(Red Oak, Iowa) – Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hamman reports “Montgomery County was impacted by several rounds of severe weather on May 21, 2024, including multiple confirmed tornadoes, significant wind and hail and ongoing river flooding. (Photos courtesy Brian Hamman)

Red Oak Water Treatment plant building

Montgomery County Communications Tower

“Initial residential damage assessments conducted have revealed 28 homes directly impacted by tornadoes with damage ranging from affected to destroyed. A number of critical public facilities have been damaged and/or destroyed including a county owned 300’ radio communications tower and significant damage to Hacklebarney Park.

“No injuries have been reported and the total value of loss is not available at this time. Damage assessments will continue Thursday, May 23rd, between Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

“As a result of today’s [Tuesday’s] severe weather and damage sustained, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, City of Red Oak and Emergency Management Commission have signed a Declaration of Disaster Emergency authorized under Iowa State Statute and the Montgomery County Comprehensive Emergency Plan. Jurisdictions will execute the expenditure of emergency funds from all available sources, the invoking of mutual aid agreements, and apply to the State of Iowa for disaster emergency assistance, as applicable.

CURRENT ROAD CLOSURES:
• J Ave between 210th x 230th due to flash flooding and culvert damage.
• Hacklebarney Park – Closed until further notice.”