Residents of Eldora are cleaning up after storms ripped through the area earlier today, which appears to be the hardest hit area of the state.

Hardin County Sheriff Tim Smith said strong winds caused the radio communication tower near the sheriff’s office to bend over a building, punching a hole the size of a fist into the jail’s roof. The tower is a total loss and water is leaking into a cell.

Many large trees fell across the town and there is considerable damage to houses and businesses from strong winds and hail — which Smith added were the size of golf balls.

Eldora City Manager Patrick Ian Rigg told KCCI in Des Moines that 11 people were taken to hospitals, but the most serious injuries appeared to be broken bones. He said some people were injured while staying in tents at the campground at Pine Lake State Park north of town.

Iowa Highway 175 is blocked in both directions in Eldora due to downed power lines and large tree limbs. It is unknown when this highway will reopen, says the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at the Eldora High School.

Gov. Chet Culver issued an emergency disaster proclamation for Hardin County to allow state resources to be deployed to support local responders at no cost.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by today's severe weather, especially those who sustained injuries or damage to their homes," Culver said in a statement. "While emergency management officials continue to assess the situation, the state stands ready to assist in any way possible."

Minor injuries have also been reported.

Smith said Eldora police are visiting houses to make sure residents are uninjured.