Shelby County Disaster Declaration

(Harlan) Shelby County had a tornado and severe thunderstorm that occurred on April 26, 2024, causing severe damage to public and private property, disruption of utility service, and endangerment of the health and safety of the citizens of Shelby County.

The County Board of Supervisors has declared a state of emergency authorized under Iowa State Statute and will execute the expenditure of emergency funds from all available sources, the invoking of mutual aid agreements, and the applying to the State of

According to the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency press release, approximately 60 homes sustained damage ranging from minor to destroyed. No towns took a direct hit in the county. The properties affected are in rural areas or on the edge of the incorporated limits. Officials say the goal is to complete the damage assessments by the weekend’s end. Utilities, some roadways, and the County Landfill were also damaged. At this time, the landfill will be closed until further notice.

Photo courtesy of Bob Simon