Tornadoes wreaked havoc in parts of Nebraska and Iowa, with severe weather causing the collapse of an industrial building, injuring at least five people, and damaging numerous homes. The outbreak of severe weather began on Thursday and continued into Friday, with tornadoes striking areas including Omaha, Waverly, and Lancaster County. Officials in Lancaster County responded to an industrial building at Garner Industries that had collapsed, trapping several individuals inside. Three people were injured in the incident, with roughly 70 people present during the tornado strike. The National Weather Service confirmed on social media that a tornado had hit western Omaha, causing minor injuries and damage to several houses.
The Omaha police chief, Todd Schmaderer, reported that at least two people suffered minor injuries in the tornado, which also led to homes being destroyed. The airport in Omaha was also affected, with buildings in the General Aviation area sustaining damage. However, passengers were safely placed in storm shelters while there were no reports of injuries at the terminal. In Nebraska, homes in Elkhorn, Bennington, and Waterloo were severely damaged, resulting in residents being displaced. Despite the extensive damage, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported in these areas.
The city of Waverly in Nebraska was also impacted by severe weather, with a tornado hitting the area early in the afternoon. However, there were no reports of injuries or damage within the city itself. The Bryan Trauma Center at Bryan West Campus treated two patients injured in the tornadoes in Lancaster County, although the injuries were described as non life-threatening. Iowa also experienced significant damage, with images on social media showing leveled buildings in Minden, a city west of Des Moines. The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a tornado had swept through Minden, but further information was not available.
A continued risk of dangerous weather is forecast for Saturday, with cities such as Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and Dallas expected to experience severe storms. Large hail and damaging winds are possible in these areas, posing a threat to residents and property. The risk of severe thunderstorms will persist into Sunday, stretching from southeast Texas to western Illinois. While the likelihood of storms may decrease slightly, the potential for tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds remains, prompting residents to remain vigilant and prepared for severe weather conditions.
In conclusion, the recent outbreak of tornadoes in Nebraska and Iowa has caused significant damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure, resulting in injuries to several individuals. The continuous risk of severe weather poses a threat to communities in the affected areas, with residents advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions. The response from emergency services and relevant authorities has been swift in addressing the aftermath of the tornadoes, ensuring the safety and well-being of those impacted. As the risk of severe weather extends into the weekend, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared, taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their property from potential harm.
