Tornado Strikes Iowa Town, Damages High School [VIDEOS]

A survey team from the National Weather Service has determined an EF1 tornado hit the west-central Iowa town of Lake City early Sunday evening (May 10, 2015).

According to law enforcement officials, the twister rolled through town around 7:30 p.m and left a path of destruction about two blocks wide. There were multiple reports of uprooted trees, damaged structures and downed utility poles. Authorities said there were no injuries.

One of the hardest-hit buildings was South Central Calhoun High School, which lost its roof and several windows in the storm (top video below). District officials estimate about 150 people were inside the building attending a baccalaureate and awards ceremony when the tornado hit. They scrambled to safety in the school's basement and a locker room as the storm passed.

The damage forced school officials to cancel classes in the South Central Calhoun district today. They indicated that this weekend's graduation ceremony will likely be moved to the middle school in nearby Rockwell City.

Sunday's storm left the entire town of Lake City, population of 1,700, without power overnight. Utility crews worked today to restore electricity, while residents and emergency personal were busy cleaning up the storm damage.

The American Red Cross continues to provide food and other supplies to people affected by the tornado. An emergency shelter is set up at a local hospital.

Governor Terry Branstad visited the community this afternoon and issued a disaster declaration for Calhoun County. The declaration means state resources can be used to help in recovery efforts and makes some households eligible for a program that helps pay for repairs.

The National Weather Service assessment team also toured Lake City today. The crew determined the community was hit with an EF1 tornado, which produced wind speeds around 100 miles per hour. The twister was nearly a quarter-mile wide and was on the ground for nearly 20 miles.

The storm moved Northeast away from Lake City and later spawned another tornado. The second twister reportedly touched down in Pocahontas County, but apparently caused no damage or injuries.

Above Video Courtesy: SevereStudios via YouTube (Tim Klatt)

Above Video Courtesy: Pecos Hank via YouTube