A devastating tornado tore through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The twister damaged hundreds of homes and other structures as it ripped through farmland and into residential areas. While injuries were reported, it was not immediately clear if there were any fatalities.
Multiple tornadoes were reported in Nebraska, but the most destructive storm moved from a rural area into the suburbs northwest of Omaha, a city with a population of 485,000. Photos on social media showed heavily damaged homes, shredded trees, and roofs stripped of shingles.
In Omaha, particularly in the Elkhorn area in the western part of the city, hundreds of houses sustained damage, with law enforcement blocking off roads in the affected areas. Police and firefighters were going door-to-door to assist people who were trapped in debris.
Residents described the terrifying experience of witnessing the tornado touch down and wreak havoc on their neighborhoods. One witness, Pat Woods, recounted how his fence was destroyed and the entire neighborhood to the north was flattened.
The tornado also passed through Eppley Airfield, the city’s airport, causing flight delays and prompting officials to temporarily close the facility for damage assessment. The storm then crossed the Missouri River into Iowa, north of Council Bluffs.
Emergency response teams were on the scene, providing assistance to those affected by the tornado. The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and local hospitals were preparing to respond to the aftermath of the storm, with reports of injuries and significant property damage. The community was coming together to support those impacted by the disaster.