City of Des Moines, IA

07/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2024 12:54

Tornado Hits Des Moines, Cleanup Underway

Source

Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa- Tuesday, July 16, 2024 - The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Des Moines on Monday, July 15, 2024, at approximately 5:37 p.m. entering the northwest corner of the city at 63rd Street and Hickman Road, crossing I-235 before dissipating south of Grand Avenue. According to NWS preliminary damage survey results, neighborhoods in the path of the tornado included:

  • Merle Hay
  • Waveland Park
  • Ingersoll Park
  • North of Grand
  • Greenwood Historic

City staff have observed significant damage to trees, utility poles, and private property, and City officials continue to assess the extent of the damage.

Des Moines Public Works is focused on clearing roadways and removing hazardous trees and branches. You can report downed trees blocking the road at DSM.city/Report, with the myDSMmobile app, or by phone 24/7 at (515) 283-4950.

Those impacted by the tornado will receive free curbside tree debris collection. Residents in impacted neighborhoods should begin moving tree debris to their curb this week, making sure not to block sidewalks or roadways. More information will be provided after completing a full assessment of the tree damage in those neighborhoods.

Glendale Cemetery (4909 University Ave) also experienced significant tree damage and is currently closed to the public. Crews continue to assess and mitigate hazardous conditions. Des Moines Parks and Recreation asks that visitors and volunteers only enter the cemetery once that work is complete. We anticipate the cemetery reopening on Thursday, July 18. When conditions are safe for volunteers to enter the cemetery, opportunities to assist with clean-up efforts will be available at DSM.city/Volunteer.

There are no additional trail closures due to the storm damage. Still, trail users should stay vigilant and aware of the possibility of less obvious storm damage, such as "hangers" within the tree canopy. To stay up-to-date on general closures, visit DSM.city/Closures.

MidAmerican Energy has indicated they expect to restore service to customers by 7 p.m. tonight. Please avoid any downed lines while MidAmerican crews work to reenergize impacted neighborhoods, and avoid those areas during cleanup if travel is not necessary.

We will continue to post updates to the City of Des Moines website and social media channels as more information is available.

Contact
Debbie McClung
Chief Communications Officer, City Manager's Office
(515) 979-7831
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 48 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines. Visit DSM.city, Facebook and Twitter for more information.