Friday morning, the ICCSD announced a two-hour-early release for students due to the severe weather expected to hit the state. KCRG started issuing severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings for different counties statewide. 

Wind speeds were up to 60 miles per hour and quickly moved from county to county. As the storm moved through the Iowa City region, a tornado and hailstorm formed outside of the Coral Ridge Mall. Warehouses along the Coralville Strip were ripped apart and power lines were left in shambles, leaving the area without electricity. Many residential homes outside the area were severely damaged as well, including some West High students and staff members’ homes. 

Head boy’s soccer coach Brad Stiles and his wife Sheila Stiles, West High athletic trainer, were among those whose homes were severely damaged. A Go Fund Me was set up on Saturday to help with costs. The West High community came through and has already raised $27,881 to help the family get back on their feet. 

More severe storms are also expected to hit this week. Staying up to date with weather apps and alerts, as well as making sure you have a safe space to go if warnings arise are just some of the things that the National Weather Service recommends to stay safe during storms. Although these storms can be tempting to stand outside and watch, make sure you get inside when a warning is issued since tornadoes develop extremely quickly. 

For disaster assistance, reach out to Iowa Red Cross.