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VIDEO: Tornadoes sweep Nebraska amid warnings, destructive storm damages in Omaha


Tornado in Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, April 26, 2024. (Megan Helberg){ }Thumbnail
Tornado in Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, April 26, 2024. (Megan Helberg) Thumbnail
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Powerful storms are moving across the Midwest as tornadoes tore across parts of Nebraska on Friday.

Multiple tornadoes were reported in the state but the most powerful twister by far hit suburbs northwest of Omaha. It destroyed homes and other structures as the tornado tore for miles along farmland and into subdivisions, according to the Associated Press.

Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said crews had gone to the “hardest hit area” and had a plan to search anywhere someone could be trapped.

They're going to be putting together a strategic plan for a detailed search of the area, starting with the properties with most damage,” Bossman said. “We'll be looking throughout properties in debris piles, we'll be looking in basements, trying to find any victims and make sure everybody is rescued who needs assistance.”

Eyewitness accounts of a tornado touching down in Lincoln were posted online. Sirens could be heard in videos posted by residents as they watched in shock.

"It's getting closer, it's coming to us," said a man as he recorded video of the tornado.

In another video, a man is heard saying, "that's definitely a tornado in front me."

Megan Helberg shared video of a tornado that appears to be close to a populated area.

The tornado reportedly crossed Interstate 80 in the afternoon.

NTV reported that multiple tornadoes have been confirmed in Nebraska.

The National Weather Service warned of "catastrophic" damage.

Omaha police advised residents that the American Red Cross and Salvation Army were set up at 204th and W Maple. A tornado emergency was issued by the agency as the storm tracked west of Omaha.

It's unknown at this time if there are any casualties.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Katrina Sperl said damage is just now being reported. Taylor Wilson, a spokesperson for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said they hadn’t seen any injuries yet.

Before the tornado hit the Omaha area, three workers in an industrial plant were injured Friday afternoon when a tornado struck an industrial plant in Lancaster County, sheriff’s officials said in an update on the damage.

The building just northeast of the state capital of Lincoln had collapsed with about 70 employees inside and several people trapped, sheriff’s officials said. Everyone was evacuated, and three people had injuries that were considered not life-threatening, authorities said.

Sheriff’s officials say they also had reports of a tipped-over train near Waverly, also in Lancaster County.

The Omaha Public Power District reported that nearly 10,000 customers were without power in the Omaha area.

Parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas were warned Friday of storms. Forecasters warned that large hail and damaging wind gusts were possible.

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Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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