(Harlan, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Shelby County have declared a State Of Emergency, as authorized under Iowa Statutory Law, following the destructive storms that struck the area on April 26th. In a press release, the Board said their action will result in the expenditure of emergency funds from all available sources, the invoking of mutual aid agreements. Approximately 60 homes sustained damage ranging from minor to destroyed. No towns were taking 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.

Shelby County Courthouse, Harlan, IA

A number of trained professionals watched as a massive multi vortex tornado moved into Shelby County at around 6:05-p.m., Friday. There was significant damage between Portsmouth and Harlan with homes having been destroyed, outbuildings, grain bins and trees shredded and blown throughout fields. The Shelby County Golf Course north of Harlan sustained significant damage, with the roof torn off the clubhouse, sheds losing their roofs, and trees down all over the golf course.

The tornado moved from west of Harlan to the west edge of Harlan and traveled along highway 44, up highway 59 and Linden road to just south of Defiance, causing extensive damage. A tornado was observed just west of Manilla at about 7 pm.

According to the Shelby County EMA’s office, approximately 60 homes sustained damage ranging from minor to destroyed. 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.