Powerful storms that swept across central Nebraska left a trail of destruction in parts of Howard County and surrounding areas Monday, as rural residents begin the difficult process of cleanup and recovery.
The National Weather Service has several preliminary reports of tornadoes from the outbreak, including multiple reports north of Grand Island near the village of St. Libory.
In Howard County, the damage stretches across farmsteads and fields. Several homes were reportedly leveled, while power lines and irrigation pivots were torn down by the storms.
County road crews worked throughout the morning on Monday clearing debris from roadways as cattle producers walked damaged pastures and crop ground, removing scattered debris. Twisted grain bins could be seen wrapped around trees, while pieces of metal and insulation littered nearby cornfields.
“We have, a quarter right east of the damage, as well as two more quarters even farther east that a shelter belt got shredded through. There’s quite a bit of damage here. Right east to here. There’s some cow calf pairs still in the field, as well as in newly planted corn acres that debris just everywhere,” said Makayla Coufal, whose family farm was hit by the tornado.
The storms also brought destructive straight-line winds and hail to portions of the region, compounding concerns for farmers already monitoring crop conditions this spring.
Emergency officials continue to assess the extent of the damage, and additional survey information from the National Weather Service is expected in the coming days.
Stay with the Rural Radio Network for continuing coverage.
