Tornado outbreak of April 20-23, 2015

The April 20-23, 2015 tornado outbreak was a serious tornado outbreak in which affected the Midwest. It was the first outbreak to see an EF5 since 2013. It included and EF5 that hit Ida Grove, Iowa, and two twin EF4 tornadoes that struck Rensselaer, Indiana. It was also the first outbreak to see a major tornado strike Indiana since 2012.

Ida Grove, Iowa
A major tornado touched down about 4 miles south-southwest of Castana, Iowa. The tornado rapidly intensified and became a 1 and a half-mile wedge tornado. The tornado completely swept away several homes southeast of Mapleton, and threw a windmill at least 14 miles away. The tornado attained EF5 intensity just south of Danbury. The tornado kept its intensity and struck Ida Grove, killing at least 17 people. The tornado injured at least 200 and caused $3.1 billion in damages (2015 USD) in Ida Grove. The well-built high school was hit very hard and had to be torn down. Homes were completely obliterated on 5th and 4th streets. A factory on Route 59 near downtown was completely swept away, of which its things inside were scattered about the town. The tornado slightly weakened, but still attained EF5 intensity. A farm was completely obliterated, where a couple was killed in Sac County. The tornado rapidly weakened and dissipated S of Juniata.