Video: Massive Tornado Rips Through Suburban Omaha
It was one of the strongest storms recorded.
Tornadoes aren't an uncommon occurrence in Nebraska, but a string of twisters on April 26 showed just how terrifying they can become.
Multiple tornadoes have been reported across the Cornhusker State, but one in the suburbs northwest of Omaha has been circulating on social media. In the video, the storm quickly moves from one side of the road to the other while destroying nearly everything in its path.
One of the craziest tornado videos ever out of Nebraska ????pic.twitter.com/pq0CVf9qrv
— Old Row (@OldRowOfficial) April 26, 2024
The storm left a path of destruction in its wake. Everything from torn-up homes to mangled trees has littered streets across the greater Omaha area.
It's the tip of the iceberg for what's set to be a stormy few days in the region. According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms with possible hail are expected to cross the Missouri Valley, Midwest, and central and southern Plains over the weekend, potentially putting millions at risk.
Less than a mile from my house. #Omaha and #Elkhorn going to need a lot of help with rebuilding. #Nebraska #Tornado pic.twitter.com/T3CMXYXb6p
— Michael J Schwabe, MD, MS (@michael22joseph) April 26, 2024
Meanwhile, flyers at Omaha's Eppley Airfield were moved to storm shelters, according to an X post from the airport. A tornado touched down at the airport and shut down operations for nearly an hour before reopening at approximately 6 p.m. local time.
"While the passenger terminal was not impacted by the storm, expect flight delays," another post warned customers. "Damage assessments in other portions of the airport continue."
Passengers in the OMA terminal are being moved to the storm shelters. Expect flight delays. Please contact your airline for flight information. https://t.co/MBwb53qOwu
— Eppley Airfield (@OMAairport) April 26, 2024
Eppley Airfield (OMA) has reopened for aircraft operations. While the passenger terminal was not impacted by the storm, expect flight delays. Damage assessments in other portions of the airport continue.
— Eppley Airfield (@OMAairport) April 26, 2024
????: Video of tornado at Eppley Airport. pic.twitter.com/32c3apUIoe
— Omaha + Sarpy WX (@Omaha_SarpyWX) April 26, 2024
In a statement to CBS News, Nebraska Emergency Management said it was hard at work investigating what the storm left behind. "We are currently deploying resources to assess damage from the recent severe weather impacting Lancaster County," the agency said.
If you're in the area this weekend, exercise extra caution and evacuate to a shelter if necessary.