Two killed as tornadoes spread across Midwest

A home in Virginia, Nebraska, was destroyed early Wednesday in storms that moved across the Midwest. The residents were home but no one was injured

AGENCY, Iowa -- Violent weather spread across the Midwest Wednesday spawning several tornadoes, killing two people and injuring several others.

A tornado ripped through the city of Agency, about 70 miles southeast of Des Moines, killing one person and injuring three others.

Another person was killed about four miles outside of Coalgate, Oklahoma, when a tornado touched down there. Stan Whisman, 41, was killed and his mobile home was destroyed. His 14-year-old son was injured and is in stable condition at a local hospital, Coal County Sheriff Roy Deck said.

The tornado, which was about 1/4-mile wide, cut a path about 10 miles long through the county, destroying several more homes, he said.

RESOURCES CNN weather satellite: U.S. North Central

A tornado in Mount Ayr, Iowa, destroyed six houses, a business and a storage facility, but caused no injuries.

"The National Weather Service gave us adequate warning," said Ringgold County Sheriff's Department secretary Toni Freihage who rode out the storm on the third floor of the county courthouse.

"Everyone was aware of the storm," Freihage said. "We had high winds and rain. One of our officers advised us he had spotted a tornado. It was pretty scary."

The Red Cross has sent a crew to Mount Ayr to take care of those left homeless by the storm.

"We will make sure they have shelter and meet whatever kind of food and clothing needs they have," said Red Cross spokeswoman Bobbie Bishop.

A tornado was also reported in Plainville, Kansas, but Emergency Management Coordinator Denzil McNeal said damage to homes was "relatively minor" and no one was injured.

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The National Weather Service
American Red Cross
Coal County Sheriff's Office

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