Gopala Penmetsa walks in front of her home destroyed by a tornado near Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday, April 26, 2024. (Chris Makian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)
OAN’s Avril Elfie
11:49am – Saturday, April 27, 2024
Tornadoes have struck multiple cities in Nebraska and Iowa, destroying many homes and causing the threat of possible tornadoes from Michigan to Texas.
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Severe storms pounded parts of the Plains and South early Friday afternoon, with Elkhorn in Omaha, Nebraska, one of the hardest hit areas, authorities said. Local authorities said crews were searching for injured or anyone who may have been trapped after a strong tornado destroyed a home.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service reported that a large tornado had struck the nearby town of Minden, Iowa, with footage showing destruction from broken buildings and scattered debris.
Four people in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, sought medical attention for storm-related injuries, according to a news release issued by county emergency management officials early Saturday morning.
Approximately 120 homes and businesses were damaged. “Preliminary information indicates varying degrees of damage,” an emergency official said.
Two people were treated for minor injuries in Omaha after a tornado touched down in Nebraska on Friday.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said, “We believe there were very few injuries because the warning systems in Omaha and Douglas County were very effective.” “We didn’t get hit by a sudden storm. People were warning us about this, and it saved lives.”
Emergency crews reported no injuries after multiple tornadoes ripped through Shelby and Douglas counties in Nebraska. But officials said the storm caused extensive property damage and forced residents to relocate.
Severe weather is expected through Sunday, with Saturday potentially the most dangerous day. Strong tornadoes are forecast to stretch from Nebraska to Texas, including Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City and Wichita.
The Storm Prediction Center reported a tornado watch was in effect for parts of western Oklahoma and northwest Texas on Saturday.
Hail as large as tennis balls is possible, and tornadoes and storms with winds as high as 110 mph are likely in the morning, according to reports.
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