Nebraska
Five years since historic floods in central and eastern Nebraska
HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – March 13, 2024 marks five years since the beginning of a storm system that caused catastrophic flooding across central and eastern Nebraska.
A number of separate factors leading up to the event would set the stage for some of the most significant flooding ever experience for parts of the state.
Much of February and early March was marked by unusually cold temperatures. The period between February 15th and March 15th was recorded as the 2nd or 3rd coldest on record for the Tri-Cities and coldest since the 1960s. This kept the ground frost levels much deeper than what is typically observed for mid-March. The National Weather Service in Hastings measured a frost depth of 25 inches on March 11.
The record cold also kept thick ice on local rivers and streams much further into March than what typically occurs. This led to serious ice jamming once the ice broke up.
A series of snow events through February and early March kept a snow depth of as much as 8 to 18 inches in place for several weeks leading up to the event. This snow contained the equivalent of 1 to 4 inches of water.
A powerful low pressure system moving out of the southwest U.S. would move across the region between March 12 and March 14, bringing rain, snow, and very strong winds. During the early part of the storm, showers and thunderstorms would bring rain on the night of the 12th. Some of that rain would continue into the morning of the 13th. Most of that afternoon was dry. But by the night of the 13th and into the morning of the 14th, more rain and a change to snow would move through the area. As much as 2 to 4 inches of rain fell and 1 to 3 inches of snow. This combined with rapid snow melt due to the much warmer temperatures observed as the storm system approached.
Because of the still frozen ground, much of the rain and snow melt would run off into many of our local streams and rivers. The warmer temperatures and water run-off would contribute to the breaking up of the thick ice in place on the streams and rivers. The rapid rising rivers would begin to overflow on Wednesday the 13th and this would continue into Wednesday night and Thursday.
Rivers and creeks, along with their tributaries began to rise on Wednesday the 13th and would continue into Thursday the 14th. This included the Wood River in Buffalo and Hall County, the entire Loup River basin in central Nebraska, the Cedar River, the Niobrara River, the Elkhorn River, and the Platte River in eastern Nebraska. All low-lying areas were essentially covered in water.
Dozens of roads and bridges were washed out across the region, isolating some communities. Several water rescues and evacuations would occur. Much of this happened in the midst of blizzard conditions as the rain changed to snow Wednesday night into Thursday. Winds would gusts to near 70 mph.
Communities such as Pleasanton, Gibbon, Wood River, Alda, and Dannebrog experienced significant flooding. Dozens of other communities such as Genoa, Belgrade, and North Loup were at least partially evacuated. Large chunks of ice the size of automobiles were left on bridges and land in many locations. In some cases, rivers were completely reshaped due to the flood waters.
The Spencer Dam in north central Nebraska was completely breeched. Large chunks of ice and debris floating on raging flood waters would rush downstream, causing devastation to those in the path. Kenny Angel, who’s home was just below the dam, was washed away. His body was never found.
Impacts to agriculture were tremendous. As flood waters receded, pasture land and fields next to rivers and creeks were covered in inches of sand and silt. This flooding occurred in the middle of calving season. Hundreds of calves perished. Some reported livestock carcasses floating away. In some locations, cattle were isolated on islands. This combined with numerous damaged or flooded roads made travel to and around some farms impossible.
Flooding continued until Saturday, March 23. Water levels gradually fell between the 15th and 23rd, with flooded areas decreasing. The most widespread flooding occurred from the 14th to the 18th.
Damage estimates of property, buildings, roads, bridges, loss of livestock, and stored crops across the entire state of Nebraska was more than $1 billion.
If you want a full recap of the event in south central Nebraska, you can visit the page set up by the National Weather Service Office in Hastings.
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The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 9.
Winning Powerball numbers from May 9 drawing
15-41-46-47-56, Powerball: 22, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from May 9 drawing
06-27-58-61-65, Powerball: 14
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 9 drawing
8-2-8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 9 drawing
19-25-26-28-34
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from May 9 drawing
Red Balls: 01-02, White Balls: 13-26
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MyDay numbers from May 9 drawing
Month: 08, Day: 06, Year: 05
Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 9 drawing
08-11-17-29-49, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
I recently read an article by Nate McHugh of SB Nation that stated the last two “sure things” to bring Nebraska football back failed. The first “thing” is back coaching at UCF, and the second “thing” is now wearing an Oregon uniform. Because these two “sure things” failed, McHugh points to them as reasons for Husker fan’s frustration. But did he miss the third reason? If I’m not mistaken, the hiring of Matt Rhule felt like one of those “sure things” as well. But after the ‘mythical’ year three and disappointment it became clear Rhule’s hiring was anything but a “sure thing” for success.
Because of that fans are torn how they feel about Rhule. I’m one of them. I catch myself saying Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska and then quickly point out that his overall record as a head coach is 66-62. Clearly mediocre compared to Kyle Whittingham (177-88) or James Franklin (104-45). But Rhule hasn’t stayed anywhere long enough to truly establish himself like Whittingham or Franklin either.
See what I mean, I’m quick to point out his shortcomings but still believe he can make the Huskers relevant again. Where Husker fans struggle is that Rhule has in fact taken us to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2015-2016 yet allowed his team to get curb stomped by Penn State, Iowa, and Utah to end the season.
So, fans are leery going into the 2026 season. What are we going to get considering the schedule? The Huskers get Indiana, Washington, and Ohio State at home, and Oregon, Illinois, and Iowa on the road. While no game is a sure win, if they can’t notch victories against Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland and Rutgers, then we’ll once again question if Rhule is the right man. Simply put, the fan base will be disappointed with another 6-6 season. Personally, with the coaching changes and improvement in talent, my expectation is a record of 7-5 or 8-4 on the season.
Tim Verghese of ‘Inside Nebraska’ got my attention last week when talking about fans giving recruits a negative vibe and possibly influencing their decision to commit to a program. He used Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M as an example. The fanbase was so negative about Fisher that it made recruits question how secure he was at A&M. Obviously recruits had reason to be worried.
Does that affect how I approach what I write or talk about? It does, but then again, I don’t think so much of myself to think it matters. I see myself as your typical fan. I’m just someone who shares their thoughts about Husker football. And frankly, like 50% or more of the fans, I’m torn between being supportive and negativity. We’ve been burned too many times and haven’t seen the things that we need to see to convince us a turnaround is about to happen. Whether it’s offense, defense, or beating the teams they are supposed to beat (Minnesota & Iowa) there just hasn’t been any consistency from Rhule’s teams. As fans we need to see Rhule’s teams win the games they are supposed to, then win the close games, and finally beat the teams they aren’t supposed to. Until we see Rhule’s teams take those steps, there will be doubt and a level of negativity.
As far as recruits are concerned, I don’t see Rhule going anywhere. He’s safe due to his contract, the investment being made on the stadium, and Trae Taylor making it clear he’s all ‘N’ as long as Matt Rhule is the head man. He may just be a senior in high school, but don’t think QB Trae Taylor doesn’t play a role here. He does. And I’m good with that. Taylor has the same expectations as the fans.
And no, those expectations aren’t too high. I’ve been a fan for over fifty years. The standard at Nebraska was set a long time ago. That standard hasn’t changed. Nebraska fans may be up and down on how they feel about Rhule, but they are consistent on their expectations. The standard is the standard and always will be.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photo courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
Stay on top of Husker football at CarrikerChronicles.com
The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 8.
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 8 drawing
8-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 8 drawing
01-03-12-24-26
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from May 8 drawing
Red Balls: 02-20, White Balls: 09-11
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MyDay numbers from May 8 drawing
Month: 01, Day: 16, Year: 17
Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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