Saturday morning turned dangerous fast across Nebraska and Iowa as severe thunderstorms packed with 80-mile-per-hour winds tore through the region, leaving thousands without power and communities dealing with significant damage. If you’re in the affected areas, you’re probably still hearing chainsaws and generators running as neighbors work to clean up the mess these storms left behind.
The most intense part of the storm system has moved through, but don’t let your guard down just yet. Scattered thundershowers are still possible through the afternoon, and anyone venturing outside to assess damage needs to stay alert for lightning strikes that could still occur.
Widespread damage reported across counties
Western Douglas County took a particularly hard hit, with officials describing the damage as extensive. Two Rivers State Park reported injuries, though specific details about the number and severity of those injuries haven’t been released yet.
Power lines came down near 180th Street and Bennington Road, creating hazardous conditions that prompted authorities to ask residents to avoid the area while repair crews work to restore electricity and clear debris from roadways…