Two children were among the fatalities in Madison County, a report said
A tornado and other severe weather thunderstorms hit Iowa on Saturday, according to reports, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people.
One of the deaths was reported late Saturday in Chariton, Lucas County, although details were not available.
Des Moines' WHO-TV reported that the death was confirmed by the county's emergency management coordinator, Mike Lamb.
Earlier, around 4.30 pm, the death of six people was reported. According to the Des Moines Register, near Winterset, Madison County, two children died.
Authorities are requesting the public to avoid impacted disaster areas to allow emergency responders room to work. Response operations are ongoing and emergency responders are continuing to assess the impacts from the storm and perform search and rescue.
— Madison County EMA (@madisonemc) March 6, 2022
The report said that there were injuries to several other people, some of whom were in danger.
The register reported that the tornado affected 30 homes in the area, with deaths at various places.
In addition, "many people's homes were lost," Madison County's director of emergency management Diogenes Ayala told the newspaper.
An #Iowa resident captured video of the supercell that moved through the central parts of the state this afternoon.
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) March 6, 2022
Follow live updates here: https://t.co/3ekbasU6SX
📷 Kevin Cavallin pic.twitter.com/qRYoDAw0Wh
Ayala called the tornado "the worst anyone has seen in a long time".
Initial interrogation of photos and videos from around Winterset suggests at least EF3 tornado damage occurred late Saturday afternoon. NWS survey teams will be out Sunday to thoroughly investigate the damage and further assess a potential rating.
— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) March 6, 2022
At least two people were reported injured in Polk County, the report said.
In Madison County, an emergency shelter was set up at New Bridge Church in Winterset, the report said.
The National Weather Service wrote on Twitter, "By about 7:30 p.m. in central Iowa, the worst of the weather was over.
3/5/2022 7:30PM UPDATE: Thankfully, the worst is over for central Iowa. Storms are moving off to the East. Areas west of the line, including the Des Moines metro, are in the clear.
— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) March 6, 2022
Late on Saturday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster declaration for Madison County, according to the Register.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by the deadly storms that tore through our state today. Kevin and I join with Iowans in prayer for those that lost their lives and those injured.
— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) March 6, 2022
"Our condolences to all those affected by the severe storm that hit our state today," Reynolds said in a statement. "Kevin and I join Evans in prayer for those who lost their lives and those who were injured. Our hearts hurt during this time, but I know Evans is there to help in this time of need." To come forward and come together - they already are."