The city of Omaha, Nebraska, was hit the hardest with local authorities rushing to help possible victims
Damaged houses are seen after a tornado passed through the area near Omaha, Nebraska, April 26, 2024 © Chris Machian / Omaha World-Herald via AP
Multiple powerful tornadoes have ripped through the central US, leaving hundreds of houses badly damaged or completely destroyed in their path, with authorities warning that severe storms are expected to continue until Sunday.
The National Weather Service received over 90 reports of tornadoes in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa as of 9pm Central Time.
Dramatic photos and videos of the inclement weather circulated online, showing the path of devastation, some captured by local news outlets while other taken by storm spotters.
More incredible videos coming out of Nebraska of today's tornado outbreak. From outside of Lincoln to Elkhorn to Omaha. The damage done was immense and the residence of NE will forever remember this day. Prayers for all the beautiful people of Nebraska. pic.twitter.com/WvkIHUWQue
— ✞ Gabriel ✞ (@gabrielhaynes) April 26, 2024
One of the most powerful tornadoes ripped through Omaha, a city of some 485,000 people in Nebraska, with local authorities reporting major damage to homes and businesses, but no confirmed fatalities.
My brother sent me this….this was about 10 minute drive from where I live. So much destruction!! #Midwest#Omaha#Nebraska#Weather#Tornadopic.twitter.com/cPExwZF8QY
— HayesCampbell/AugustMoon Groupie (@romancejunkie48) April 26, 2024
“There’s lots of trees down. There’s roofs missing from houses. You definitely see the path of the tornado,” police Lt. Neal Bonacci said, as footage on social media showed multiple completely destroyed or heavily damaged structures without roofs.
VIDEO ALERT! Footage coming in shows the intensity of the tornado ripping through #Nebraska! Watch as the twister tears through homes and businesses, leaving destruction in its wake. Stay safe, Omaha! #TornadoWarning#NEwx#TornadoVideos#tornadopic.twitter.com/VjARIX3zqn
— Sami Ullah (@SammiUllahh) April 26, 2024
“We’ll be looking throughout properties in debris piles, we’ll be looking in basements, trying to find any victims and make sure everybody is rescued who needs assistance,” Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman added.
Minden, Iowa got sideswiped on the SE side by a violent #tornado. @JordanHallWX#iawxpic.twitter.com/iGBvxSy7KY
— MyRadar Weather (@MyRadarWX) April 26, 2024
Another “particularly dangerous” tornado touched down near the towns of Harlan,Shelby and Minden in Iowa, with meteorologists warning of possible “catastrophic damage.”
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
The Weather Service issued an “ominous” forecast, according to AP, warning that large hail and strong wind gusts were on Saturday, with more tornadoes expected across parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
