Nebraska Weather Storms Cause Power Outages and Widespread Damage Across Lincoln

Early Saturday morning, severe thunderstorms swept through Lincoln, Nebraska, causing extensive damage to trees and infrastructure and resulting in widespread power outages. The storm unleashed winds reaching up to 91 mph, leading to over 30,000 power disruptions in Lincoln, Seward, Waverly, and surrounding locations. Emergency management teams have been mobilized to assess the situation as city officials and utilities work on restoring services.

Governor Jim Pillen received briefings from emergency response units as they evaluated the impact, including reports of injuries at several state recreation areas. Efforts are underway to provide aid and coordinate recovery operations with local agencies.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities reported significant challenges following the storm with 69 traffic signals affected during the initial sweep. Power outages have caused signals to flash red, yellow, or be entirely dark. Responding teams have repaired most traffic signals, although less than 20 remain impacted by late afternoon. Drivers are advised to treat these intersections as all-way stops to ensure safety.

Further south in Lincoln, damage assessments are ongoing by city parks and recreation teams, who are also organizing cleanup activities. Current updates on street closures are accessible online, offering information to residents navigating through affected parts of the city.

In northwest Lincoln, a large tree fell on a mobile home near NW 27th and West O, although no injuries were reported. Moreover, Branched Oak Lake experienced significant storm-related disruptions, with emergency services responding to damaged campers and fallen trees. At least one individual was transported by ambulance from the site.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to a technical rescue operation at an apartment located at South 48th and Meredith Streets, where a fallen tree damaged the roof. Neighboring residents surveyed the destruction early Saturday as recovery tasks commenced.

Across eastern Nebraska, the high winds caused substantial havoc, toppling trees, tearing apart rooftops, and bringing down electrical lines. In Blair, winds ripped open a warehouse roof, resulting in additional power outages that left thousands without electricity.

Tragically, in Waterloo on the western edge of Omaha, the storm claimed one life and left another critically injured. A large cottonwood tree fell onto a vehicle in Two Rivers State Park, killing a woman instantly and pinning a male passenger until emergency units managed his extraction and rushed him to a hospital.

The Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln also faced severe impacts, with two housing units sustaining enough damage to displace 387 inmates. The Department of Correctional Services ensured that all personnel and incarcerated individuals were secure.

As recovery efforts gear up, the Red Cross is stepping in to assist affected residents. Shelters have been established, including a location at Blair's First Lutheran Church and a reception center in Lincoln to offer meals, water, charging stations, and respite from the weather.

Additional severe weather warnings are in effect, with meteorologists observing risks for further storms through Saturday night into Sunday across the nation’s midsection. Predictions suggest that areas from western Colorado through Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Northern Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin could experience intense weather conditions including strong winds, hail, and flash flooding.

Residents are urged to stay informed about the unpredictable weather developments and heed safety advisories as details unfold surrounding the unfolding events across the region.