Severe weather has wreaked havoc across the Heartland this weekend with a reported 83 tornadoes in just five states on Friday. The dangerous storms have continued into Saturday, with powerful storms expected from Texas to the Great Lakes.
The multi-day tornado outbreak claimed the life of one person in Holdenville, Oklahoma, and resulted in injuries and extensive damage to homes and structures across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Four people were injured and over 120 structures were damaged in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, while hundreds of homes were damaged in Douglas County, Nebraska.
Tornados in Omaha today. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/L5eLNe6i5W
— Ben Eisenhart (@BEisenhart) April 26, 2024
The city of Minden, Iowa, was especially hard hit, with gas and power disruptions and a curfew put in place until further notice. In Nebraska, Governor Kim Reynolds, Pottawattamie County, and the City of Minden have all declared a state of emergency.
In addition to the tornadoes, there have also been reports of damaging winds and large hail, with some hailstones as large as 3 inches in diameter. The National Weather Service is also warning of a flash flood risk for eight states from Texas to Iowa due to heavy downpours that may lead to dangerous flash flooding.
The footage of the Nebraska Tornados is simply incredible pic.twitter.com/AUuCJAuLXu
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) April 28, 2024
The threat of these dangerous storms is expected to continue into the evening, with a tornado watch in effect for parts of six states and a moderate risk level of 4 out of 5 for Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. This means there is a chance for long-track solid tornadoes, huge hail, and thunderstorm winds up to 80 mph.
On Saturday, there have already been seven tornado reports, including one near the intersection of Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. This confirmed tornado was eight miles north of Robinson, Kansas. The risk for severe weather and flash flooding is expected to continue overnight, with more than 2 to 5 inches of rain predicted in some areas.
don’t mess with tornados pic.twitter.com/96zeBugT6i
— Reed Loustalot 🚚 🏛️ 🇺🇸 (@lostisreed) April 28, 2024
The National Weather Service will be conducting damage surveys over the weekend to determine the number of confirmed tornadoes, the intensity ratings, and other details. On Sunday, the threat is expected to lessen but still pose a risk of damaging wind, large hail, and a few tornadoes in Texas, Iowa, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas.
25 tornadoes hit 3 states in one day over the weekend. Massive damage. Highest (I believe) was an EF4. One tornado looked to be over a mile wide. Sending love to all those effected & who might be. Tornado season is here ❤️ #Tornados #OklahomaTornado #NebraskaStrong #Meteorologist pic.twitter.com/8ojAeMJYnG
— Jessi 🖖🏻👩🏻🦰 (@JesterNeNe85) April 29, 2024
As always, it is important to stay informed and heed any warnings or evacuation orders from local authorities during severe weather events. Take shelter immediately if a warning is issued in your area, and stay safe during this dangerous storm system.
