Severe Storms Leave 30,000 Without Power in Lincoln, Nebraska Amid Widespread Damage

A severe thunderstorm with hurricane-force winds swept through Lincoln, Nebraska, and surrounding areas early on Saturday morning, causing significant damage and disrupting services across the region. The storm's impact included wind gusts reaching up to 91 miles per hour, leading to widespread tree damage and power outages.

More than 30,000 customers in Lincoln were left without power, along with thousands more in nearby communities such as Seward, Waverly, and various surrounding areas. The Lincoln Electric System reported over 27,000 outages, and the Norris Public Power District noted about 6,000 customers without electricity, accompanied by additional reports of around 1,000 outages from the Nebraska Public Power District.

In addition to residential and commercial power outages, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities estimated that 69 traffic signals were affected, either flashing yellow, flashing red, or completely dark due to the outages. The department advised drivers to treat intersections affected by these outages as all-way stops as a precaution. Cleanup efforts are underway, with Lincoln Parks and Recreation assessing tree damage and organizing debris removal.

The storm also triggered emergency responses in various locations, including Branched Oak Lake, where damaged campers and downed trees prompted rescue efforts. Reports indicated that at least one individual was transported by ambulance. In South Lincoln, a technical rescue was conducted at an apartment complex after a tree damaged part of a building’s roof.

Municipal and county officials are urging residents to exercise caution, staying off the roads if possible to facilitate cleanup and emergency efforts. Douglas and Washington counties reported extensive damage and significant power outages. Douglas County officials noted that wind gusts had reached between 75 and 85 mph, causing tree falls and power lines to collapse. Injuries were reported at Two Rivers State Park, although the extent of these injuries remains unclear.

As the storms moved east, severe weather warnings extended into Iowa, necessitating continued vigilance. Analysts predict further thunderstorms will occur later in the weekend, though these are expected to be less intense. Residents of affected areas are advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions, given the potential for lightning and heavy rainfall accompanying the upcoming storms.

Amidst the destruction in the wake of the storm, communities are coming together to manage recovery efforts, demonstrating resilience in mitigating the damage caused by the severe weather conditions. Local emergency and utility services continue to work tirelessly to restore normalcy, clearing debris, and restoring power to the affected zones.

Residents seeking real-time updates on road closures and power restoration should refer to official utility websites and municipals authorities’ updates to ensure they have the most accurate information. The community’s efforts underscore the importance of preparation and response in the face of natural threats, reminding individuals to prioritize safety and heed official advisories.