Bennington, Nebraska – At least four fatalities and numerous injuries were reported across several states after a series of tornadoes tore through the South and Midwest over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa.
In Hughes County, Oklahoma, tragic losses were reported, with one man, one child, and a truck driver passing through the county losing their lives. Another fatality occurred in Sulphur, where Governor Kevin Stitt confirmed the loss of a fourth individual. The town of Sulphur also saw around 30 individuals sustaining injuries during the severe weather event.
As recovery efforts begin, Governor Stitt declared a state of emergency in twelve Oklahoma counties severely impacted by the tornadoes. Similarly, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster emergency for Pottawattamie County, where the town of Minden suffered extensive damage from a tornado.
In Nebraska, both the Omaha and Lincoln areas were hit by confirmed tornadoes, causing significant damage to homes and structures. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska declared a state of emergency after their members and local businesses were affected by the storms. Eppley Airfield in Omaha faced destruction, with four hangar buildings housing private planes destroyed during the severe weather.
Throughout the affected areas, officials are coordinating recovery efforts and assessing the damage with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The community is coming together to assist those impacted and begin the process of rebuilding in the wake of the devastating tornadoes.