Nebraska

Powerful bow echo slams Omaha with hurricane-force winds

Published

2 years ago

August 1, 2024

Powerful bow echo slams Omaha with hurricane-force winds

PowerOutage.us reported more than 250,000 electrical outages during the height of bow echo in eastern Nebraska.

OMAHA, Neb. – Severe thunderstorms rocked eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa on Wednesday, causing widespread power outages in the Omaha metro area.

The FOX Forecast Center described the storm system as a bow echo as it moved across the Cornhusker State’s largest city, resulting in extensive wind damage.

Tree damage after storms rolled through Omaha, Nebraska on July 31, 2024

(Douglas County Sheriff (Nebraska) / FOX Weather)

Wind gusts around Omaha’s Eppley Airfield, the region’s busiest airport, reached 90 mph.

Immediately following the storm, the airport was closed for several hours so that crews could conduct what was described as a damage assessment. The airport has since resumed operations.

Severe weather reports from Wednesday 7/31/2024

(FOX Weather)

Elsewhere in Nebraska, damage to awnings and trees was widespread, with PowerOutage.US reporting more than a quarter of a million outages during the peak of the storm.

The Omaha Public Power District, the region’s largest utility provider, said the severe weather event was the largest restoration effort in recent memory and encouraged customers to be patient while its crews began the cleanup process.

Power poles snapped during storm in Nebraska on July 31, 2024.

(Omaha Public Power District / FOX Weather)

“The windstorm that struck the OPPD service territory caused power outages to 220,545 customers,” OPPD stated Wednesday night. “There have been reports of wind gusts up to 100 mph in some areas. There is heavy tree damage and reports of downed wires across the area. Our crews are assessing the damage and are in the early stages of what is one of our largest restoration efforts as of late.”

Current Power Outages
(FOX Weather)

WHAT IS A DERECHO?

City officials in Lincoln, a town also hit hard by severe winds, reported power outages to the town’s wells temporarily disrupted water supplies and were urging residents to conserve water.

The National Weather Service office for the region indicated that most of the damage reports were from straight-line winds, but meteorologists would need to determine in the coming days if there were any embedded tornadoes in the storms.

“Clearly, the damage is extensive and intense over a huge area, almost exclusively due to straight-line winds. We have some reports of “gustnado” type of circulations, and some that will need to be evaluated for whether there are tornado damage tracks embedded within the straight-line wind region,” Brian Barjenbruch, a meteorologist at the NWS office, stated.

Despite the flurry of severe weather, local authorities did not report any deaths associated with the event.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium also reported extensive tree damage, but staff said all employees and animals were accounted for.

SEE IT: FUNNEL CLOUD PHOTOBOMBS NEBRASKA

Wednesday’s severe storms generated dozens of damage reports across the Plains and the Midwest.

Mammatus clouds grace the skies at sunset after severe weather passed through Hays, Kan. on July 31, 2024.

(Trooper Tod Kansas HP (@TrooperTodKHP / X))

The majority of the issues involved downed trees and power lines, as well as damage to roofs and windows, according to initial reports received by the Storm Prediction Center.

The region is expected to clear out from additional severe weather chances as a frontal boundary that has been slow to move finally begins its eastward advancement.

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Nebraska

Today in History – April 23: Cottonwood named Nebraska’s state tree

Published

3 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Press Room

Today in History – April 23: Cottonwood named Nebraska’s state tree

(WOWT) – On this day in 1972, the eastern cottonwood was named the official Nebraska state tree.

It replaced the original choice, the American elm.

The cottonwood is often associated with Nebraska’s pioneer era. Several famous landmarks were cottonwood trees. Their shoots were often collected by settlers.

Today, the cottonwood grows throughout the state, with the largest being in Wheeler County.

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On July 4, 2026, our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. Every day leading up to it, First Alert 6 will take a look at the people and events that shaped our area.

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Nebraska

Nebraska Extension drought workshop helps producers deal with drought conditions

Published

15 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Press Room

Nebraska Extension drought workshop helps producers deal with drought conditions

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – The Nebraska Extension hosted a workshop Wednesday morning for ag producers, focusing on how to use drought monitoring and forecasting tools, assess drought impacts and risks, explore management strategies, and identify available resources.

Organizers say the goal is to help producers make more informed, timely decisions as changing weather patterns continue to affect soil moisture, crop conditions, and long-term planning.

The session also highlighted practical tools farmers can use to track drought development and adjust operations before conditions worsen.

“The really warm temperatures and strong wind just sucked the moisture out of the soil, out of the vegetation and this has been going on since at least October and were not going to come out of it over the night, it’s going to take a while to rebuild those moisture supplies even if we get average moisture it will be enough for vegetation but it won’t helped us recover what we’ve already lost,” said Deborah Bathke, Nebraska state climatologist.

Officials add that continued education and early planning are key to helping producers stay resilient through increasingly variable growing seasons.

Click here to subscribe to our KNOP News 2 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.

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Nebraska

Carriker Chronicles: Sean Callahan on Matt Rhule’s Critical Year 4 with Nebraska Football

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2026

Press Room

Carriker Chronicles: Sean Callahan on Matt Rhule’s Critical Year 4 with Nebraska Football

Adam Carriker is joined by HuskerOnline publisher Sean Callahan to break down the upcoming season for Matt Rhule and Nebraska football. Callahan gives unique insight on what Nebraska’s offense may look like, realistic expectation for quarterback Anthony Colandrea, if the offensive line is legit better, the new 4-2-5 defense, the undersized defensive line and if the Huskers will win more than seven games. Also, will Nebraska basketball make a Sweet 16 run again?

Hit the play button for that and more in this episode of the Carriker Chronicles. For a synopsis, scroll down.

Synopsis

In the latest installment of the Carriker Chronicles, Adam Carriker and Sean Callahan discuss the upcoming season for Nebraska football and why this year is so important. They explain that Year 4 under Matt Rhule is a big turning point because by now, the program should reflect his system, culture, and recruiting. If things are going to work long-term, this is the season where fans should really start to see it.

One of the first things they talk about is the overall vibe of the offseason. Callahan mentions that Nebraska has “closed the lab,” meaning the team is done experimenting and now fully focused on playing football. The expectation is that players understand the system better and can execute at a higher level without the outside distractions.

They also discuss the offense and what it might look like under Dana Holgorsen. While there may be some similarities to past systems, there will also be differences based on the players Nebraska has. Part of the conversation is quarterback Anthony Colandrea, and they set realistic expectations for him. He doesn’t have to be perfect, but he does need to be consistent, make plays with his feet and take care of the football.

Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

The offensive line is another key topic. Callahan believes the group has improved this offseason, especially with players like Elijah Pritchett, who seems to be on the uptick. If the offensive line can protect the quarterback and create running lanes, it could make a huge difference for the entire offense. They also mention the running back room, which has potential but still needs to prove itself during the season.

On defense, Nebraska is expected to run more of a 4-2-5 scheme this year. This means more speed on the field, but it also raises questions about size, especially on the defensive line. One of the biggest concerns is whether the defensive front can hold up against physical teams. However, they point out that the secondary might be the strongest position group, which could help balance things out.

Special teams are briefly discussed, with the expectation that they will be solid but not necessarily a major strength or weakness. Recruiting is another area where Nebraska seems to be trending in the right direction, which is important for building long-term success.

They also touch on men’s basketball and whether the team can make another Sweet 16 run. While it’s possible, it will depend heavily on player development and who will replace those that have left.

To wrap it up, they debate whether Nebraska football will win more than seven games this season. It’s seen as a realistic but challenging goal. This is a critical year for Matt Rhule and the program, and fans should have a much clearer idea of the team’s future by the end of the season.

Program order

00:00: Intro
01:09: Sean Callahan Joins the Show
01:54: Year 4 Under Matt Rhule
04:04: Offseason Vibe: Closing the Lab, Focusing on Football
05:30: Dana Holgorsen: Similarities & Differences to Expect
07:30: Offensive Line: Offseason Improvements
09:45: Elijah Pritchett Spotlight
12:54: Running Back Room: What to Expect
15:20: Defensive Scheme: What to Expect This Year
18:53: Biggest Defensive Question Marks
22:10: Strongest Defensive Position Group
23:00: Special Teams Outlook
25:08: Recruiting Class Breakdown
27:45: Nebraska Basketball Preview
29:50: Over/Under: 7 Wins Next Season
31:18: Fan Questions

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.