Multiple tornadoes were reported across the Plains on Friday, part of a severe weather threat affecting over 60 million Americans. One powerful tornado was captured on video crossing Interstate 80 outside of Lincoln, Nebraska. The supercell caused damage in Waverly, with several semi-trucks flipped on local interstates. A large manufacturing facility in Lancaster County collapsed, trapping 70 workers, all of whom were safely evacuated by first responders. More than a dozen people were treated at area hospitals for storm-related injuries.
A Tornado Emergency was issued in Omaha, Nebraska, indicating a severe threat to human life and property. Search and rescue efforts were underway as homes sustained significant damage in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Tornado Watches were issued from eastern Nebraska through East Texas, with the potential for additional tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail events.
The severe weather follows storms in Colorado and Kansas, with reports of baseball-sized hail and severe thunderstorms. Over 4.8 million people are in Level 3 severe weather threat zones, including cities like Overland Park, Kansas, and Des Moines, Iowa. The threat is expected to intensify on Saturday, with widespread severe thunderstorms, including the risk of strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
Flash flooding is also a concern, with a level 3 or 4 risk across multiple states. The rain, while posing risks, will benefit areas experiencing drought. The severe weather pattern is likely to continue into next week, with storms forecasted from northeastern Texas to the Upper Midwest, bringing threats of tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds.
