A tornado plowed through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses as it moved through farmland and into subdivisions, eventually hitting an Iowa town. Dozens of tornadoes were reported in the Midwest on Friday, with at least 150 homes damaged or destroyed in Omaha. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported, and only a few dozen people were treated for injuries in Omaha and neighboring communities. The tornado damage started near Lincoln, Nebraska, where an industrial building collapsed with 70 people inside, but all were safely evacuated with non-life-threatening injuries.
The tornado continued towards Omaha, leaving a path of destruction consistent with an EF3 twister with winds of 135 to 165 mph. The twister eventually slammed into the Elkhorn neighborhood in western Omaha, causing severe damage to homes and properties. Firefighters worked diligently to ensure no one was trapped, and chainsaws were heard in the morning as residents began to assess the damage. Power outages peaked at 10,000 but had dropped to 4,300 by morning. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds toured the damage and arranged for assistance for the affected communities.
A second tornado hit Eppley Airfield on the eastern edge of Omaha, destroying four hangar buildings with privately owned planes inside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the airport resumed operations after cleanup efforts. The second tornado then moved into Iowa, targeting the small town of Minden, where 40 to 50 homes were destroyed, causing significant damage. Two injuries were reported, but they were not life-threatening. The Minden United Church of Christ became a hub for community support, with plans to deliver meals to those in need. Residents were in shock as they faced the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives.
The tornadoes caused headaches for Nebraska football fans heading to the spring game, with heavy traffic expected due to the damage. Schools canceled proms in anticipation of more severe weather forecasted for the weekend, including tornado watches and the possibility of large hail in several states. Residents were urged to stay safe, buckle up, and prepare for potentially significant tornadoes in the coming hours. As the National Weather Service worked to assess the damage, the forecast remained ominous, with severe weather warnings in place across multiple states.
Despite the widespread destruction caused by the tornadoes, the communities affected remained resilient as they began the process of recovery and rebuilding. Assistance from state and federal authorities was being coordinated to support the impacted areas. Residents in Minden and Omaha faced the daunting task of repairing their homes and properties while dealing with the emotional toll of the destructive storms. As cleanup efforts continued, the focus shifted towards ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and providing necessary resources to aid in the recovery process.
