Clean up Begins Following Damaging Tornado Event in West Central Iowa

(Harlan) On Saturday, the cleanup began in several counties in west central Iowa following a massive tornado that destroyed houses and outbuildings in Minden. The tornado continued north, causing extensive damage west of Harlan, destroying outbuildings, damaging homes, snapping power poles, and scattering debris into the adjacent farm fields.

Harlan resident Bob Simon arrived home from work on Friday just as the tornado began to take shape. Simon, who has been storm-chasing most of his adult life, caught sight of the tornado on Highway 44, near Ironwood Road west of Harlan.

Simon witnessed the king-sized twister strike numerous farmsteads.

Simon admits this is the worst tornado event he has witnessed.

Simon says the support of community members and businesses is outstanding.

The National Weather Service in Omaha issued 42 Tornado Warnings on Friday, covering east central Nebraska to Soldier, Iowa, in Monona County

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(Photos Courtesy of Bob Simon west of Harlan)