Violent tornadoes swept through Omaha, affecting both Nebraska and Iowa. The destructive storms caused extensive damage to hundreds of homes and structures. Reports indicate that three individuals sustained injuries as a result of the tornado impact.
Tornados in Omaha today. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/L5eLNe6i5W
— Ben Eisenhart (@BEisenhart) April 26, 2024
Across at least five U.S. states, several tornadoes were reported. The most devastating storm advanced from rural regions into the suburbs northwest of Omaha, a city with a population of 485,000.
In addition, there were 19 other destructive squalls and 45 hailstorms reported following a severe weather outbreak on Friday.
Social media platforms were flooded with images depicting the aftermath of the disaster, showcasing severely damaged homes and uprooted trees.
Videos captured the harrowing scenes of rooftops stripped bare and debris-strewn landscapes in the rural outskirts of Omaha, with law enforcement authorities swiftly responding to secure affected areas.
Unreal—a massive tornado is captured on video crossing I-80 in Nebraska near Omaha pic.twitter.com/EWNeWuo5IU
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) April 26, 2024
In Omaha, numerous homes suffered damage, primarily in the western Elkhorn area. Omaha police Lieutenant Neal Bonacci reported that many houses were either destroyed or severely impacted.
Additionally, police and firefighters conducted thorough door-to-door searches to aid individuals who might be trapped.
According to Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman, rescue teams have already been dispatched to the most severely affected area and have devised a strategy to search for anyone who might be trapped.
“They’re going to be putting together a strategic plan for a detailed search of the area, starting with the properties with the most damage,” the AP said, quoting Bossman.
In one area of Elkhorn, dozens of newly constructed, large homes were affected. First responders flooded the affected neighborhoods, and local residents expressed the tornado’s effects as profoundly destructive.
JUST IN: Massive half-mile wide tornado reported in several counties in Nebraska, knocking over a semi-truck.
Western Omaha residents are being told to seek shelter now as the tornado is moving towards Elkhorn.
Multiple toronados have been reported in the Lincoln area with… pic.twitter.com/2ZmrgBKAqW
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 26, 2024
“We watched it touch down like 200 yards over there, and then we took shelter,” said another eyewitness, Pat Woods, who lives in Elkhorn. “We could hear it coming through. When we came up, our fence was gone, and we looked to the northwest and the whole neighbourhood was gone.”
Destruction in Elkhorn, Nebraska, a suburb of Omaha, in the wake of a massive tornado that tore through yesterday. pic.twitter.com/JxOAG3ryMD
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) April 27, 2024
During the tornado, three individuals, including a child, sought refuge in the basement of a destroyed house. Fortunately, they were able to escape unharmed. Emergency responders transported only two people with minor injuries for medical treatment, as reported by Bonacci.
Following its path through the airport, the tornado continued across the Missouri River and entered Iowa, specifically to the north of Council Bluffs.
Daniel Fienhold, the manager of Crescent’s Pink Poodle Steakhouse, observed the weather with his daughter and restaurant staff. He remarked that a substantial tornado appeared to be developing northeast of town.
Forecasters have issued tornado warnings for several states, including parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, for Saturday. They are also cautioning about the possibility of large hail and strong winds.
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