Emergency Response Started with Early Warning

(April 27, 2024)

Everyone agreed. It's a miracle no one died Friday when tornadoes touched down in Omaha and Douglas County.

"You see events like this around the country and almost inevitably you end up with fatalities and critical injuries," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Franks. "This is a testament to the employers, daycare providers, and parents, everyone who did the right thing, listened to the warnings and took it seriously."

Frank and representatives of state, city and county government, law enforcement and non-profit partners at a multi-agency briefing Saturday to provide information on the emergency response in Omaha and Douglas County all agreed early warning and reactions to those warnings, saved lives and prevented critical injuries.

"I absolutely feel the early, clear and accurate warnings prevented injury and death," said Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert.

Mayor Stothert will sign a disaster proclamation Monday to request state and federal assistance.

Preliminary damage assessments by the National Weather Service show the tornado that damaged neighborhoods in Elkhorn and Bennington was likely an EF3 tornado, with winds between 135-165mph. The tornado that damaged dozens of private airplanes and general aviation hangars at Eppley Airfield has an initial rating of EF2 with wind speeds between 110 and 135mph. Damage surveys will continue Monday.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency estimates more than 150 homes and buildings in Douglas County were destroyed or damaged.

"I'm in awe of the partners we have in the city, county, and emergency management to help others and keep everyone safe. The salt of the earth is neighbors helping neighbors," said Governor Jim Pillen.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said Omaha police officers' focus is now on the safety and security of the damaged areas and the families who live there, and supporting the search and rescue operations of the Omaha Fire Department. OFD completed a house by house search late Friday night.

"Last night showed us the power of neighbors. You are your neighbors' first line of defense, and they are yours," said Schmaderer. "That's the beauty of Omaha, the power of community."

Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman described firefighters arriving just after the tornado lifted, seeing people crawling out of their homes. "They could see the shock on their faces," she said.

Both Schmaderer and Bossman confirmed firefighters and police officer lost their homes.

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hansen described a disaster scene in western Douglas County, "I've seen lawnmowers wrapped around trees, bicycles wrapped around trees, metal chairs stuck in walls."

Hansen warned people who don't live in damaged neighborhoods to stay away so families and volunteers can work.

"I couldn't be more proud of the work we're doing," said Governor Pillen. "Nebraska comes together in tragedy."

Everyone agreed on that too.

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