Bennington, Nebraska – At least four people lost their lives and numerous others suffered injuries across multiple states as a series of tornadoes tore through the South and Midwest over the weekend. Recovery efforts are now in progress in parts of Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa, where severe weather left neighborhoods in ruins and buildings reduced to rubble.
In Hughes County, Oklahoma, the EMS agency reported the deaths of a man and a child due to the storms, with four others being treated for injuries, three of which were severe. Love County Sheriff Andy Cumberledge confirmed the death of a truck driver passing through the county. Additionally, another individual lost their life in Sulphur, as announced by Governor Kevin Stitt.
The town of Sulphur also saw around 30 individuals sustaining injuries, as reported by KOCO. Drone footage revealed extensive damage in Minden, Iowa, with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declaring a disaster emergency for Pottawattamie County. The National Weather Service noted at least a dozen tornadoes in Iowa on Friday, half of which were rated EF-2 with wind gusts between 111-135 miles per hour. Nebraska was not spared from the destruction, with confirmed tornadoes hitting the Omaha and Lincoln areas, causing widespread damage.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska declared a state of emergency after storms and tornadoes caused significant damage to its members and local businesses. Eppley Airfield in Omaha reported the destruction of four hangar buildings storing 32 private planes during a tornado on Saturday. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell extended the agency’s support to officials in Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska over the weekend.
Authorities are focused on recovery efforts and providing assistance to those affected by the devastating tornadoes in the region, emphasizing the need for community support and resilience in the face of natural disasters. The impact of the storms serves as a stark reminder of the destructive force of tornadoes and the importance of preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable areas.