At least one tornado struck parts of Nebraska Friday afternoon, causing an industrial building to collapse, injuring at least three people and triggering a widespread emergency response, authorities said, a day after tornadoes hit other parts of the Midwest.
The weather service issued tornado warnings for much of Omaha, including downtown.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Garner Industries industrial building around 3 p.m. and found it “almost completely collapsed” with several people trapped inside, the chief deputy said. Ben Houchin.
Three people were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, he said, adding that about 70 people were inside when the tornado struck.
The sheriff’s office also received reports of a derailed train in Waverly, Chief Houchin said, adding, “They didn’t need any emergency help, so we’re hoping it will be very minor. »
James Davidsaver, director of emergency management for Lancaster County in Lincoln, Neb., said “the community of Waverly was impacted by severe weather conditions, including a tornado early this afternoon.”
Waverly City Administrator Stephanie Fisher said no injuries or damages were reported in the city.
“I was told that a business out of town, between Waverly and Lincoln, was hit by the tornado and that there were a large number of emergency personnel on site,” he said. -she declared.
The Bryan Trauma Center at the Bryan West Campus treated two patients injured in the tornadoes that hit Lancaster County, hospital spokesman Brad Colee said. He said both were in triage.
It was not immediately clear whether they were patients who were victims of the building collapse.
More severe weather conditions possible on Saturday
A widespread risk of hazardous weather remains possible by Saturday, extending from Texas to Michigan.
Cities like Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Dallas could experience severe storms. Hail ranging from golf balls to baseballs could fall and damaging winds would be possible.
The risk persists on Sunday
The threat of severe thunderstorms will persist through Sunday, including areas from southeast Texas to western Illinois.
Storms will be slightly less likely to occur, but there will still be a risk of forming or even producing a few tornadoes, as well as generating quarter-sized hail and damaging winds.
Livia Albeck-Ripka reports contributed.
