"It wasn't only ripped debris and trash that littered downtown Iowa City streets immediately after tornadoes hit Thursday night.

Curious passersby took advantage of the chance to swipe a few free beers from smashed and damaged stores and convenience stations - incidents that many gas-station operators throughout Iowa City's nucleus reported.

"The Liquor House opened up like a can of tuna, and all my friends ran up and started taking liquor," said UI senior Sam Ehlinger as he meandered through the Pedestrian Mall around 10 p.m. Thursday."