Weather Madness - Iowa Residents Pull Together

Severe weather has been zany since the start of our Spring season, especially affecting the U.S. across the entire country and even parts of Canada.

From deadly tornadoes, twisters, hurricanes, fires and heavy rains causing high floodwaters, people have been scrambling for safety, with unfortunate victims despite the early warnings.

Just recently in the U.S., the States of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Iowa have especially received the forceful brunt of the severe weather system not sparing the brutal lashes.

One of the strongest tornadoes hit the U.S. on May 7, making a touch-down in Greensburg, Kansas causing a death toll of 10 so far, while high floodwaters affected Missouri and and even stretching into parts of Iowa.

Though Iowa residents were on constant "tornado watch" as early of last Saturday evening, they were not spared of the plummeting rain-causing floodwaters.

According to Mara B., a resident-relative in the outskirts of Irwin, "(We've) been in a tornado watch most of the day, (and it was) supposed to end at 4 but we don't see it happening as they've just issued another warning for the county south of us. News said over 12 tornadoes (happened) around here tonight since the storms began....(pause)....a lot of lives changed tonight."

The following day she further added, "(It) looks like a long night ahead. (I've) been up since about 6 a.m., filling and carrying sandbags and as you know, with Coop being the town's biggest business, it didn't take long for them to get the trucks out to move the anhydrous tanks.They really made huge efforts in moving the tanks as the town people pitched in to help. Everyone was pitching in....but hey, you do what it takes during times like this. We had all the hazmat stuff taken care of by about 10 am. The dogs moved to higher ground by noon, then the rest of the day sandbagging. (I'm) just taking a quick break, and it better be a quick one. Not sure if I stop I will be able to get myself going again. The river for the most part is banked within the banks......but predicting 5 inches or more of rain coming again later this evening. (There's) only a couple more homes to do. They were going to get more bags and sand.....really though, such an awesome experience...(pause)...just about everyone in town that is able, is out there helping work, and those not physically able are providing goodies for those of us that are. Small town life, I tell ya it doesn't get much better! Many of the roads are closed and Troy (her husband) probably won't be able to get to work first thing in the morning. You must cross a river every direction out of town here, so if you are here and it floods, you are stuck here."

The next day, Mara further commented, "We were very fortunate today to get a break from the rain. (We) had enough time to do the work necessary to protect many homes and businesses and even the Earth....(pause)...as getting those anhydrous tanks up on higher ground is much better than seeing them floating down the river. Sad though, as I know all that has already been put on the fields (referencing to food crops) this last week is being washed right down the river. Hopefully all this fresh rain is diluting it some. I ended up helping out at work tonight too. It was so busy in there, we ran out of pizza crusts (Note: Mara works in a Pizza Restaurant). No one felt like cooking tonight. I am already starting to feel it in my right shoulder, the shoulder I carried the sandbags over...(pause) did you know wet sand is REALLY heavy? (optimistically laughs). Well it is starting to lightning again....(pauses)...wonder what this night will be like....(pause)...oh! did I mention the 2 inches of water in our basement?? The water is taken care of (now). (It's) still damp, but so very fortunate it wasn't worse...(pause) many in town had a lot more than we did. Ok, (I) need some rest. Hopefully the approaching storms will not be quite as noisy as last night, and the towns-people will get some much needed rest. Good night."

While the residents of Irwin, Iowa are busy securing the town, they are watchful and vigilant to see if more storm activity will come their way. Despite the severe weather system, the town people have kept their positive and optimistic attitude, being brought closer together in an ongoing effort to maintain equilibrium during these turbulent and transitioning times.

In times like these, our spirits must be resilient. We must stay strong and pull together.