GRUNDY COUNTY – Severe thunderstorms in Grundy County early last week left a trail of damage that led to a state-level disaster declaration.
Governor Kim Reynolds signed the declaration Monday, opening up state resources to those affected by last week’s storms.
Two major systems passed through the area, bringing both severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings. Hail of up to golf ball size was reported with the storms, damaging both vehicles and buildings. The National Weather Service confirmed two small EF0 tornadoes near Eldora, with some damage to farm buildings.
The second round of storms Friday led to reports of funnel clouds on the northern edge of Grundy County and into southern Butler County.
The state disaster proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program for residents in Grundy County and four other counties heavily impacted by the storms. According to information at governor.iowa.gov, the proclamation is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated or extended.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of personal property or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery.
Prior to the governor’s disaster proclamation, the Grundy County Board of Supervisors held an emergency meeting Wednesday, April 15 to issue a disaster declaration of their own. The declaration noted damage to public and private property, utility disruptions and risks to public safety associated with the storms.