Dozens of storm reports show how multiple tornadoes caused widespread damage across Nebraska, Iowa

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OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A line of powerful thunderstorms rolled into eastern Nebraska Friday afternoon bringing significant severe weather and widespread damage.

At least 63 reports of sighted tornadoes or tornado damage have been received so far from the area. At least 5 significant tornado paths have been identified, with more details to come as damage is surveyed in the days ahead.

Friday Afternoon Tornado Reports(WOWT)

The first tornado reports came in from the northeast side of Lincoln around 2:40 p.m. with a large supercell thunderstorm. This tornado quickly intensified right along Highway 6 in northeast Lincoln, and crossed I-80 at the intersection of Highway 6 and I-80.

VIDEO: Drone footage of tornado forming north of Lincoln on April 26, 2024 taken by Chris Steinheider, Property Services

Several industrial buildings were damaged with some vehicles flipped on I-80. The tornado continue through northeast Lancaster County, passing just west of Waverly, Greenwood, and Ashland before dissipating in Saunders County.

Tornado track from Lincoln to Ashland, NE(WOWT)

After briefly lifting, this same storm then developed a new tornado south of Yutan in Saunders County, which quickly cross the Platte River into Douglas County and the far southwest side of Omaha.

Joe Bradley sent us this video of tornadic activity near Yutan on Friday.

The tornado increased in strength becoming a very destructive storm as it cross Center Road near the intersection of Highway 275, and then moved north toward West Dodge and River Road Drive

The powerful tornado continued into Elkhorn causing major damage with numerous homes severely damage or destroyed. This powerful tornado remained on the ground through Elkhorn and moved to the northeast toward Bennington, passing just west of the town.

Chad Cunningham sent us this drone video of the damage in Elkhorn after a tornado ripped through the area on Friday.

The circulation continued to intensify as it moved through southcentral Washington County, passing just south of Kennard, and just north of the Blair Airport. The tornado pushed right up to the Blair city limits before crossing the Missouri River into Iowa, and finally dissipating. While it is early, a rough estimate based on radar and reports would suggest this tornado was on the ground for around 35 miles.

Tornado track from Yutan and Elkhorn, NE to northeast of Blair(WOWT)

Another tornado developed right near downtown Omaha just before 5 p.m. This tornado developed right next to Eppley Airfield, damaging parts of the airport, forcing a temporary closure. The airport is back open, though several buildings were damaged.

The traffic camera at Eppley Airfield in Omaha took a hit during severe weather that produced tornados on Friday.

The tornado then quickly crossed the Missouri River into Iowa, and crossed I-29 north of Council Bluffs. The circulation made a direct line toward one of our city cams before the connection was lost due to damage in the area. The tornado then continued across northwestern Pottawattamie County, passing just east of Crescent, and then cross I-880 near Beebeetown, IA with reports of damage in the area. The tornado finally dissipated in central Harrison County.

Tornado track from Omaha to Logan, IA(WOWT)

Yet another tornado developed near Pacific Junction just before 5pm. Damage was report to the north of town, with the tornado then quickly dissipating. However, the storm cycled and a new tornado developed about 10 minutes later along the Pottawattamie and Mills County lines just west of Mineola. This tornado quickly intensified, becoming a destructive storm as it moved into central Pottawattamie County crossing Highway 6 just west of Treynor. The storm then moved north into Minden, where major damage has been reported with many homes damaged or completely destroyed.

Friday's tornado devastated the small town of Minden, Iowa.

The large, multi-vortex tornado then crossed I-80 a few miles east of the I-880 interchange, and moved into Shelby County where it remained on the ground doing damage. The tornado may have lifted at some point, but new tornadoes quickly developed with this same storm as it moved toward Tennant, and then crossed Highway 44 west of Harlan, and Highway 59 north of Harlan as a large and destructive storm.

The tornado finally ended north of Harlan in northern Shelby County. While the tornado may not have been on the ground continuous, a near continuous path of tornado damage at least 40 miles in length may have occurred with this storm.

Tornado track from Pacific Junction to Harlan, IA(WOWT)

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