INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — After several quiet years, tornadoes have erupted in the United States over the last two weeks as a volatile mix of warm, moist air from the Southeast and persistent cold from the Rockies clashed and stalled over the Midwest. On Monday, the U.S. tied its current record of 11 consecutive days with at least eight tornadoes confirmed on each of those days, said Patrick Marsh, warning coordination meteorologist for the federal Storm Prediction Center. The previous 11-day stretch of at least eight tornadoes per day ended on June 7, 1980. “We’re getting big counts on a lot of these days and that is certainly unusual,” Marsh said.

The National Weather Service had already received at least 27 more reports of tornadoes Tuesday, suggesting that the record for consecutive days would be broken once the official totals are in. The weather service has received 934 tornado reports so far this year, up from the yearly average of 743 observed tornadoes. More than 500 of those reports came in the last 30 days. The actual number is likely lower, however, because some of the reports probably come from different witnesses who spot the same twister.

The U.S. has experienced a lull in the number of tornadoes since 2012, with tornado counts tracking at or below average each year and meteorologists still working to figure out why. “A lot of people are trying to answer that, but there’s no definitive answer,” Marsh said. The recent surge in tornado activity over the past two weeks was driven by high pressure over the Southeast and an unusually cold trough over the Rockies that forced warm, moist air into the central U.S., sparking repeated severe thunderstorms and periodic tornadoes. “Neither one of these large systems —the high over the Southeast or the trough over the Rockies— are showing signs of moving,” Marsh said. “It’s a little unusual for them to be so entrenched this late in the season.”

Those conditions are ripe for the kind of tornadoes that have swept across the Midwest in the last two weeks, said Cathy Zapotocny, a meteorologist for the weather service in Valley, Nebraska. Zapotocny said the unstable atmosphere helped fuel many of the severe winter storms and subsequent flooding that ravaged Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri earlier this year.
“We’ve been stuck in this pattern since February,” she said. Zapotocny said the number of tornadoes this year was “basically normal” until the surge this week. May is typically the month with the highest incidence of tornadoes, usually in the Plains and Midwestern states collectively known as Tornado Alley, where most of this year’s twisters have hit.

Most of the confirmed tornadoes were rated as less-intense EF0, EF1 and EF2s on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. But 23 were classified as EF3 tornadoes, with wind speeds of 136-165 mph. The strongest confirmed tornado this year was the EF4 tornado that killed 23 people in Alabama in March. So far this year, 38 people have died in 10 tornadoes in the United States, including a combined seven within the last week in Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and Ohio. The relative quiet in recent years followed the massive tornado that killed 161 people and injured more than 1,100 in Joplin, Missouri, in 2011. The EF5 storm packed winds in excess of 200 mph and was on the ground for more than 22 miles.

Scientists also say climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme weather such as storms, droughts, floods and fires, but without extensive study they cannot directly link a single weather event to the changing climate. Monday’s outbreak was unusual because it occurred over a particularly wide geographic area. Eight states were affected by two regional outbreaks, in the high Plains and the Ohio River Valley. Tornadoes strafed the Kansas City metropolitan area straddling Kansas and Missouri Tuesday night, barely a week after a massive tornado ripped through the Missouri state capital of Jefferson City.

(Radio Iowa) — The U-S-D-A crop report showed just one day suitable for fieldwork last week and corn progress is 10 days behind and soybeans are two weeks behind last year. Iowa corn growers now have 76 percent of the expected crop planted, with is two weeks behind the five-year average. This is the smallest amount of corn planted by May 26 since 1995 when 75 percent of the expected crop had been planted. Forty-two percent of the crop has emerged — nine days behind last year and 10 days behind average. Less than one-third of the expected soybean crop has been planted. This is the smallest percent of soybeans planted by May 26 since 1993 when just 23 percent of the expected crop had been planted. Eight percent of the crop has emerged, 12 days behind last year and 8 days behind average. Farmers saw one sunny day this weekend, but say it was not enough to make a difference.

(Radio Iowa) — Iowa farmers who’ve been unable to plant corn yet this year face a deadline this week. Corn planted by May 31st is covered by crop insurance. If that corn fails to sprout because of cold and soggy conditions, insurance will help farmers RE-plant their fields in June. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says there’s been an “historically slow pace” to planting corn AND soybeans this season. “It’s been a great challenge,” Naig says. “However, we know that if we can get a few days strung together where the weather will cooperate that our farmers can move very quickly and get that crop in the ground quickly. The other piece that we look at is what’s happening to our neighbors…as bad as it is in Iowa, Illinois and Indiana in particular have significant delays.”

Naig says planting soybeans in June rather than corn is an option for some. “It all depends on whether they think they can achieve a decent yield and make that pencil out in terms of profitability,” Naig says. June 15th is the deadline for planting soybeans that can be covered by crop insurance. Farmers debating whether to plant corn or soybeans this week face the dynamic of a soybean market that has been roiled by trade disputes. “The market’s sending a signal. Soybean prices, clearly, have been dramatically reduced. You’re talking a 20 percent reduction in soybean prices this year, a 10 percent reduction in corn and so folks will look at those economics,” Naig says.

But Naig says there are other factors at work, like deciding which corn or soybean hybrids will yield best if planted late. Some farmers may not be able to plant a crop at all this year — and that makes them ineligible for the next round of federal farm payments the U-S-D-A announced last week. Naig says 100-thousand acres of western Iowa farm ground in Pottawattamie, Mills and Fremont Counties was flooded in March — and in some areas there’s still water coming through broken levees. “You’ve got acres that might be dry, but they’ve a tremendous amount of sand and other debris that needs to be removed and those acres may or may not be planted this year,” Naig said. “…For those acres that are planted, you’ll crop insurance. For those that aren’t, you’ll be looking at a prevented planting selection.”

The federal “prevented planting” program provides payments to farmers who cannot plant a crop at all. Naig made his comments during an appearance on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press” program.

(Radio Iowa) — Le Mars Police have identified the two HyVee employees and the man who shot them in an attempted robbery early Sunday morning at the HyVee convenience store. Assistant Police Chief Justin Daale spoke Tuesday, at a news conference. “The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Oscar Gutierrez. He displayed a nine millimeter handgun and demanded money from the two clerks,” Daale says. “After he demanded the money he had shot one of the clerks, which was Faith Laskie age 18. She was shot in the abdomen area. Gutierrez then shot clerk Ashley Storesund — age 29 — also in the abdomen area. He attained no money before or after the shooting.”

Daale says they had a license plate number of the car and were able to get a cellphone signal for Gutierrez. The car was found by South Sioux City police not long after the shootings. “They had located our suspect Oscar Gutierrez inside his vehicle with a lethal self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Daale says. “He was located after a broadcast was put out shortly after the incident here in Le Mars on locating the suspect as well as the suspect vehicle.”

The two women are listed in stable condition. Daale says a nurse and another HyVee employee who was an E-M-T gave them immediate aid after the shooting and that was key. “I think with the immediate response that they took…I think that eased the tension I guess in the store. They did exactly what they were supposed to do. I think it helped the victims probably more than anything. They did a fantastic job of taking immediate action,” according to Daale.

Daale says Gutierrez was known by the department for mostly minor run-ins. Police say the results of a toxicology report on the Gutierrez’s body won’t be known for a while. Counseling services are still being made available to the Le Mars HyVee employees. HyVee spokesperson, Tina Potthoff, says Sunday’s shooting and attempted robbery was the first shooting incident involving HyVee employees through out their more than 250 stores located in eight different states. Hy Vee has since re-opened their gas station.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — On Monday, the U.S. tied its current record of 11 consecutive days with at least eight tornadoes confirmed on each of those days. Patrick Marsh of the federal Storm Prediction Center says the previous 11-day stretch of at least eight tornadoes per day ended on June 7, 1980. The National Weather Service had already received at least 27 more reports of tornadoes Tuesday, suggesting that the record for consecutive days would be broken once the official totals are in.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa could be headed toward a law eliminating the use of cell phones while driving. A hands-free bill didn’t advance this year but could come back again next year, and Reynolds says she supports the idea if lawmakers send it to her. She signed a proclamation Tuesday declaring this “end distracted driving week” in Iowa..

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Flooding along the lower Missouri River will likely worsen in the days ahead because the amount of water being released into the river is increasing because of the recent rain. But officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say the river will remain below the levels it hit in March when flooding caused significant damage in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas.

AMES, Iowa – May 28, 2019 – The Iowa DOT is keeping a close watch on several roadways in western Iowa due to concerns of flooding. Areas of specific concern include:

• Interstate 29 near Honey Creek
• Interstate 680
• Interstate 29 between U.S. 34 and the Missouri border
• U.S. 34

Roadways may be closed on short notice. Before traveling, motorists are encouraged to check 511ia.org, the Iowa 511 mobile apps or call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide) for up-to-date closure information on state-owned roadways across Iowa. Closures due to flooding can be viewed by turning on the incident layer on the online map and mobile app.

For the latest in flooding information and recovery resources, as well as an image gallery showing the flood damage and recovery efforts go to https://floods2019.iowa.gov/.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports numerous arrests over the past couple of weeks:  On Monday, 39-year old Brian James Johnson, of Des Moines, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 2cts Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs, Forgery, DUS, Driving while license Denied, Susp, Cancelled or revoked, Failure to Proof of Financial Liability and Window shield and window requirements – Bond: $9,300.00

Arrested Sunday, May 26th was: 33-year old Justin M Manley, of Edgewood, MN,  for Possession of Controlled Substance, Operating Non-Registered Vehicle and No Valid Driver’s License – Bond: $1,000.00; 20-year old Lacyrus Green, of Southhaven, MS – for being a Fugitive from Justice – No Bond – Loc. of Arrest: Mills County Sheriff’s Office; 33-year old Linze Elaine Camarillo, of Council Bluffs, for OWI 1st, DUS, Failure to Provide Proof of Liability and Failure to Maintain Control – Bond: $1,300.00; 33-year old William Cockrell Moore, of Bryan, TX for False Imprisonment and OWI 1st – Bond: $2,000.00.

Last Saturday, 23-year old Dillion Steven White-Vojchehoske, of Essex, was arrested in Mills County on 2 counts of Furnishing a Controlled Substance to Inmate and Possessing Contraband – Bond: $10,000.00 – Loc. of Arrest: Mills County Sheriff’s Office. Last Friday, 35-year old Marcus Anthony Holton, of Gulfport, MS, was arrested for being a Fugitive from Justice – No Bond.

Arrested May 23rd, was: 23-year old Dillion Steven White-Vojchehoske, of Shenandoah, for Driving While Barred, Other Violation or Chapter 321A, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability and Failure to Maintain Control – Bond: $3,000.00; 45-year old Jerry Lee Dawson, of Malvern, was arrested on a Warrant out of Pottawattamie County for Violation of Probation – No Bond.; and 38-year old April Marie Watson, of Malvern, was arrested on a Warrant out of Montgomery County for Violation of Probation and Violation of Probation – Bond: $15,000.

On May 22nd, Mills County Deputies arrested: 28-year old Danielle Rene Bammer, of New Market, for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Bond: $2,300.00; 38-year old Daniel Charles Thomas, of Glenwood, for Domestic Abuse Assault, Interference with Official Acts and DUS – Bond: $900.00; and 39-year old Joseph Dean Wallace, of Bedford, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and DUS – Bond: $600.

May 21st, 38-year old Ric Fredrick West-Lytle, of Crescent, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Speeding, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability and Failure to Maintain or use Safety Belts – Bond: $4,200.00; and, 34-year old Denny Gene Reeves, of Silver City, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Bond: $300.

On May 17th, 19-year old Saxtinh Richard Donaldson, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the Pottawattamie County Jail, on a Mills County Warrant for Probation Violation – Bond: $5,000. And on May 16th, 39-year old Erin Boone Fisher, of Glenwood, was arrested at the Pott. County Jail on a Mills County Warrant for Probation Violation. Bond: $7,500.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Flooding along the lower Missouri River will likely worsen in the days ahead because the amount of water being released into the river is increasing because of the recent rain.

But officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say the river will remain below the levels it hit in March when flooding caused significant damage in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas.

The amount of water being released from Gavins Point Dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border on Tuesday and another increase is planned for Wednesday. The Corps’ John Remus said more increases are likely later this week if the forecast for heavy rains delivers.

The National Weather Service says nearly 3 inches of rain already fell on the Omaha area over the past two days, and the forecast calls for more than an inch of rain Tuesday night and Wednesday in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.

Mills County Emergency Management and the Mills County Board of Supervisors issued an Emergency Evacuation Preparation Recommendation for the area of Mills County South of Gaston Avenue to the Mills/Fremont County line and West of Interstate 29 to the Missouri River. Residents in the area mentioned are recommended to begin preparation for evacuation as soon as possible.

Mandatory evacuations may be ordered in the near future. Road closures have been placed on 180th St. North of Lambert, Kane Ave. N. of Lambert and Karns Road west of Inst. 29. Ongoing levee breaches combined with increased rainfall and projected rising water levels has caused this recommendation.

The USACE has announced increasing output from Gavin’s Point Dam, increasing from 60,000 cfs to 65,000 cfs today and an additional 5000 increase to 70,000 cfs tomorrow. The National Weather Service has projected that the Missouri River will rise at least three feet over the next 48-72 hours with an anticipated crest of 32.6 ft. by Thursday, 5/30/19.

If you need assistance with the evacuation process, please contact the Mills County Communications Center at 712-527-4871.

The Red Oak Police department reports the arrest of a male juvenile on Tuesday. At approximately 2:20pm Officers arrested a 12-year-old male juvenile on the charge of Sexual Abuse 2nd Degree. He was taken to the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center, processed, and then transported to the Southwest Iowa Juvenile Detention Facility in Council Bluffs.