Gov. Jim Pillen provides update on storm recovery efforts

OMAHA, Neb. —

Nebraska leaders are working to provide assistance to those who were affected by Friday's tornadoes and storms.

Gov. Jim Pillen held a news conference at 3 p.m.

"Nebraskans reaching out, helping each other," is the name of the game, according to Pillen.

He asks everybody to keep all who were affected in their thoughts and prayers.

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Gen. Craig Strong with the Nebraska National Guard said the incident was handled in a "very professional way" by both the City of Omaha and the Douglas County Emergency Management.

There has been talks with both FEMA and national entities to help with resources for recovery.

Douglas County Emergency Management Director Paul Johnson thanked all local meteorologists and everyone who was paying attention.

The tornado appeared to be lifting up and dropping back down across the county, and that was also evident by the debris, said Johnson.

He said, the National Weather Service was a big help with super accurate and down-to-the-minute resources for emergency services to follow the storm and know where to go.

There were no deaths in Omaha because people were prepared, he said.

NWS said, they believe an EF-3 tornado hit Elkhorn and an EF-2 tornado hit Eppley Airfield.

Chris Franks with the National Weather Service said employers, schools, daycares, and everyone who was able to provide shelter and keep everyone safe.

The tornadoes were strong and "rare," and they were less than 10% of occurring.

It is a "multi-day surveying event," he said.

Douglas County Commissioner, Mary Ann Borgeson said the incident brought her back to the floods of 2019 after seeing the recovery efforts and neighbors helping neighbors.

She promised county leaders are "here to help you."

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert offered condolences and support to those who were affected.

She highlighted the efforts of nonprofit partners that are providing resources and shelter to those who are in need of aids.

Omaha fire and police departments were quick to set up command sites and went into search and rescue mode fast.

Stothert will sign an emergency declaration to provide extra funds to help out with recovery.

Douglas County Health Department Director Lindsay Huse said there has been assessment of the shelters for safety, and the nonprofits have done and good job with no issues there.

The food health inspector has been assisting restaurants and other food establishments to address concerns and help businesses open as quickly as possible.

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson called many areas of the county as a "disaster scene."

There will be extra deputies and patrols for "the foreseeable future," to prevent looting and other activities, he said.

He urges people to not drive into the "disaster areas" because they have seen a lot of traffic jams that can put everyone at "extreme risk."

Chief Travis Harlow with the Waterloo Fire Department said most of the damage was south of Dodge Street and north of F Street, and there were only minor injuries.

Bennington Fire Chief Dan Mallory said, thanked the weather service and local news for the early warning which allowed crews to be on scene as quickly as possible.

There were about 60-65 homes that were severely damaged in the Bennington area.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said extra crews and officers will be available to ensure 911 is always an option for all.

Unless the storms roll through again, he said, safety and security will be their top priority.

Omaha fire chief Kathy Bossman said crews were on scene and searching before the storm had passed.

She said, crews reported neighbors who were literally crawling from underneath the rubble of their homes.

She assured firefighters will be ready to respond if more storms roll in.

Operations at Eppley Airfield were not affected, but several millions of dollars in damage occurred.

Eppley Airfield officials said, there will be no impact to Berkshire Hathaway arrivals.

"The airport is open for business," said the officials.

"Yesterday was the worse day in some Nebraskans lives," said Jill Orton with the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross is working two shelters at the Common Grounds Recreation Center at 1701 Veteran Drive in Elkhorn and at First Lutheran Church at 2146 Wright Street in Blair.

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