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Severe Storms Bring Tornadoes, Hail, and Damage to Nebraska and Iowa

At least 15 tornadoes touched down on April 17, prompting sheltering in Omaha and extensive damage assessments across the region.

A tornado is seen just north of Omaha, Nebraska, from Highway 75, on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Tornado damage in Omaha.
A map created by Newsweek shows the states at risk for severe weather on Thursday night.

Overview

  • The National Weather Service issued an Enhanced Risk warning for eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, forecasting large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
  • At least 15 tornadoes were reported in the region, with 10 in Nebraska and 5 in Iowa, including a significant touchdown in Omaha at 7 p.m.
  • Omaha's Eppley Airfield sheltered passengers for 15 minutes during the tornado, while sirens sounded across nearby communities.
  • The storms caused widespread damage, including downed power lines, damaged homes, and debris, with hail up to baseball size and wind gusts of 60 mph reported.
  • By 10 p.m., the NWS Omaha office declared the severe weather threat over, with damage assessments and public reporting efforts ongoing.