Devastating Tornado Outbreak Hits Eastern Nebraska: Waverly, Omaha, and Beyond Grapple with Historic Storms
Waverly, Nebraska – On Friday, at least six tornadoes hit eastern Nebraska, described by local meteorologists as “historic,” causing havoc with one business destroyed, a train derailed, and dozens of suburban homes destroyed near Omaha.
But by late Friday night, officials confirmed that since the May 1975 tornado, the Omaha area had not experienced such severe storms with no serious injuries or deaths, where three people had died, hundreds were injured, and havoc wreaked near 72nd and Pacific Streets.
National Weather Service meteorologist Taylor Nickolasen said Friday saw the most tornado warnings issued by the service in a single day, at least 41. “May 12, 2023 marked a milestone, tallying 33 warnings, setting the bar anew.
According to meteorologists, initial assessments suggest that the tornadoes that struck the metro region may have caused damage in Douglas County that could set records.However, confirming damage on the ground will be necessary before categorizing tornadoes stronger than EF-3.
“It’s quite historic,” they said. “For those concerned about such things, this was a once-in-a-lifetime event. These things happen every few decades. But it can still be deadly and dangerous tomorrow.”
Stay away from affected areas
Douglas County reported dozens of damaged homes in Elkhorn and Bennington areas.There was also significant damage at Waterloo. Authorities asked the public to avoid the impacted regions so first responders could finish their work. A few locals reported having minor injuries.
County Sheriff Aaron Hansen urged residents of affected areas to understand the risk if they go there. “These areas are dangerous. Even though you may not see emergency workers actively working in that area, these areas are still dangerous,” he said.
“In the realm of safety, one must remain vigilant for potential hazards, whether they be items or structural components, capable of causing harm or even fatal consequences. At Omaha’s Eppley Airfield, while private aviation services suffered notable damage and certain airport facilities were affected, the commercial terminals remained unscathed, ensuring continued operations.
At least 7,000 Omaha Public Power District customers were without power until late Friday night, mainly due to six transmission lines and power poles damaged across the area.Hospitals in the area continued to receive patients and stay open.
Damage assessment still ongoing
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency’s Catherine Sparle, who collects and verifies damage and injury reports statewide, said NEMA received reports of building and home damage in Sarpy and Greeley counties along with electrical pole damage.
Buffalo, Butler, Howard, Platte, and Nance counties reported minor damage. Late into Friday night, according to emergency management officials, Washington County was still evaluating its damage.
Lancaster County reported at least 12 damaged homes in the Waverly area and minor injuries where a train with 31 cars derailed due to a tornado, and an industrial building of Gardner Industries collapsed entirely.County officials anticipate that all three of the injured parties will make a full recovery. Seventy workers were inside the facility at the time. Gardner Plastics Injection Molding operates there.
Lincoln saw tornadoes approach from the southwest and northwest edges of the city. On Friday evening, reporters observed at least two funnels touching down just west of Waverly near 84th Street and Cornhusker Highway, one of which toppled a train.
BNSF told 10/11 News that none of its crew members were injured, and no hazardous materials or substances were spilled, requiring special cleanup or hazardous material teams.
Pillen provides updates on Saturday
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen plans to update Nebraskans at 3 p.m. At the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday. He said, He stated, “I’ve authorized the allocation of state resources to aid in emergency response efforts and bolster local first responders’ support.”
Furthermore, he emphasized, “The people of Nebraska demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability; united, we’ll extend a helping hand to our impacted neighbors and communities.” “In confronting severe weather challenges, Nebraskans have always stood ready to lend assistance…”
Nebraskans in rebuilding.
The second phase of severe weather could arrive on Saturday, warned Nickolasen and others, with a significant risk of tornadoes and hail, primarily south of Interstate 80.
CBS News:https://www.cbsnews.com/
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