Severe Tornado Outbreak Hits Central United States
Dozens of tornadoes struck the central United States on Friday, causing widespread destruction and injuries, according to authorities.
Extent of Damage
More than 70 tornadoes were reported across the country by the National Weather Service (NWS), with a significant number around Omaha, Nebraska. Images shared on social media showed massive black twisters tearing through the sky, uprooting trees and demolishing homes.
Impact on Communities
In the Omaha suburb of Elkhorn, numerous homes were destroyed, roofs were blown off, and trees were stripped of leaves. Emergency personnel are currently assessing the damage and providing assistance to affected residents.
Near the Nebraska state capital of Lincoln, a tornado hit an industrial shed, resulting in the evacuation of around 70 individuals. Fortunately, only three people sustained non-life-threatening injuries when the roof collapsed.
Further northeast of Lincoln, near Waverly, powerful storm winds derailed a train from its tracks, adding to the chaos caused by the severe weather.
Power Outages and Continued Threat
Approximately 11,000 households in Nebraska were left without power due to the tornadoes. The NWS issued multiple tornado warnings in several central US states and cautioned that severe storms would persist into Saturday, affecting the central plains and extending as far south as Texas.
Tornadoes in the United States
Tornadoes are a common weather occurrence in the United States, particularly in the central and southern regions. These natural phenomena, while awe-inspiring, present challenges in terms of prediction and preparedness.