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Tornadoes rip through Oklahoma killing four, including a child – as devastating videos show twisters flattening homes, toppling trees and causing blackouts in Nebraska and Iowa with 27M people under alerts

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Tornadoes rip through Oklahoma killing four, including a child – as devastating videos show twisters flattening homes, toppling trees and causing blackouts in Nebraska and Iowa with 27M people under alerts


Dozens of tornadoes have been leveling towns, closing highways and cutting off power throughout the Midwest since Friday, and it’s been revealed that at least four people have died from the severe weather front.

Twisters ripped through Holdenville, Oklahoma on Saturday night, with officials confirming this morning that there have been four fatalities, including one child.

Flood watches and warnings are in effect Sunday for Oklahoma, one of the hardest hit states, as well as Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.

Hughes County Emergency Management confirmed the deaths in Holdenville, one of them a 4-month-old baby, on top of 14 homes being damaged or destroyed and 100 people suffering tornado-related injuries.

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The search for trapped or missing individuals in the town started Saturday night after the storm left the area. The four-month-old child, who lived in a house that was reportedly destroyed, was among the people authorities were looking for. 

The child was found and taken to a hospital but was later pronounced dead. 

As authorities assess the damage to Holdenville and other towns that were struck by tornados, the death toll is feared to increase as the day goes on.

A man walks past a damaged building on Sunday after it was hit by a tornado on Saturday in Sulphur, Oklahoma

This photo captures a severe tornado in Lancaster, Nebraska, one of the first to form in the spree of twisters over the weekend

This photo captures a severe tornado in Lancaster, Nebraska, one of the first to form in the spree of twisters over the weekend

Tornado damage in Sulphur collapsed rubble on white pickup truck (pictured right)

Tornado damage in Sulphur collapsed rubble on white pickup truck (pictured right)

A tornado touches down on Friday, April 26, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska

A tornado touches down on Friday, April 26, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska

Sean Thomas Sledd salvages items from his room after it was hit by a tornado the night before in Sulphur, Oklahoma on April 28, 2024

Sean Thomas Sledd salvages items from his room after it was hit by a tornado the night before in Sulphur, Oklahoma on April 28, 2024

This image taken from video provided by KOCO 5 shows buildings destroyed by a tornado in Sulphur, Oklahoma on Sunday, April 28, 2024

This image taken from video provided by KOCO 5 shows buildings destroyed by a tornado in Sulphur, Oklahoma on Sunday, April 28, 2024

Further damage seen in Sulphur, Oklahoma, where an infant died in the natural disaster

Further damage seen in Sulphur, Oklahoma, where an infant died in the natural disaster

In Sulphur (pictured) another unidentified person died during the tornado that hit Saturday night

In Sulphur (pictured) another unidentified person died during the tornado that hit Saturday night

An aerial view of the damage in Sulphur, the city Governor Kevin Stitt plans to visit Sunday

An aerial view of the damage in Sulphur, the city Governor Kevin Stitt plans to visit Sunday

People walk the streets of Sulphur on Sunday to look at tornado damage

People walk the streets of Sulphur on Sunday to look at tornado damage

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued a statement Sunday morning: ‘My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night. 

‘Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage.’

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Stitt has also declared a state of emergency in 12 counties as crews work to clear debris and assess damage from the severe storms that tore down power lines. Later in the day, he plans to tour the southern Oklahoma city of Sulphur, where many buildings are unrecognizable.

Stitt said about 30 people were injured in Sulphur at a news conference in the town, the Idaho Press reported.

‘You just can’t believe the destruction,’ Stitt said. ‘It seems like every business downtown has been destroyed.’ 

Sulphur is around 65 miles southwest of Holdenville, and devastating video of its complete annihilation went viral on social media.

The videos, captured by Brandon Clement, show Sulphur in complete ruin. 

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The first video was taken while it was still dark and shows the rubble Sulphur’s downtown has been reduced to.

Clement recorded the second video with a drone and panned over the entire town of Sulphur, showing destroyed buildings, downed powerlines and upturned cars.

A man is surrounded by tornado damage after severe storms moved through the night before in Sulphur

A man is surrounded by tornado damage after severe storms moved through the night before in Sulphur

Charlie Schwake walks past his property in Sulphur

Charlie Schwake walks past his property in Sulphur

Damaged storefronts in Sulphur

Damaged storefronts in Sulphur

A man walks past flipped and damaged cars in Sulphur

A man walks past flipped and damaged cars in Sulphur

A bulldozer trying to clear away rubble in Sulphur

A bulldozer trying to clear away rubble in Sulphur

A drone view shows emergency personnel working at the site of damaged buildings in the aftermath of a tornado in Omaha, Nebraska

A drone view shows emergency personnel working at the site of damaged buildings in the aftermath of a tornado in Omaha, Nebraska

A house at Sycamore Farms in Waterloo, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 27, 2024

A house at Sycamore Farms in Waterloo, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 

Workers clean up the debris at Sycamore Farms in Waterloo, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, after a tornado damaged the property the day before

Workers clean up the debris at Sycamore Farms in Waterloo, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, after a tornado damaged the property the day before

Heavy storm clouds appear as a tornado moves through suburbs northwest of Omaha on Friday, April 26, 2024

Heavy storm clouds appear as a tornado moves through suburbs northwest of Omaha on Friday, April 26, 2024

Marietta, another town in Oklahoma, suffered damage to its hospital though no patients were injured, according to the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management. The Chickasaw Nation is also supporting the storm response in Marietta, the state agency added.

As people in small towns across the Midwest pick up the pieces, the weather threat isn’t remotely over. Approximately 27 million Americans are still at risk of of severe weather into Sunday, including wind gusts, hail, flood risk, and potentially more tornadoes, NBC News reported.

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Over 34,000 Oklahomans were without power as of Sunday morning, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks electric utility outages. In Texas, the northern section of which was hit with at least 10 twisters, nearly 67,000 customers are without power. 

The numbers of households without power have steadily gone down throughout the afternoon. As of 4:15 pm Sunday, there are just under 22,000 Oklahomans without power and nearly 30,000 Texans who still don’t have electricity. 

Based on forecasts from the National Weather Service, there are at least five cities at risk of experiencing tornados Sunday.

Springfield, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; Houston, Texas; and Lake Charles, Louisiana, all have a two to four percent chance of tornados. Shreveport, Louisiana has an up to 9 percent chance of tornados.

The outskirts of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dallas, Texas could also be affected.

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A drone view shows people inspecting the site of damaged buildings in the aftermath of a tornado in Omaha, Nebraska

A drone view shows people inspecting the site of damaged buildings in the aftermath of a tornado in Omaha, Nebraska

Damaged houses are seen after a tornado passed through the area near Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, April 26, 2024

Damaged houses are seen after a tornado passed through the area near Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, April 26, 2024

Families sift through the destruction from a tornado near Omaha

Families sift through the destruction from a tornado near Omaha

Gopala Penmetsa walks past his house after it was leveled by a tornado near Omaha

Gopala Penmetsa walks past his house after it was leveled by a tornado near Omaha

Emergency crews respond after a tornado collapsed a Garner Industries facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, with 70 people inside. No one died but there were three non-life-threatening injuries

Emergency crews respond after a tornado collapsed a Garner Industries facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, with 70 people inside. No one died but there were three non-life-threatening injuries

Damage from the tornado at Garner Industries is seen on Friday outside Waverly, Nebraska

Damage from the tornado at Garner Industries is seen on Friday outside Waverly, Nebraska

The onslaught of tornados kicked off Friday afternoon near Lincoln, Nebraska, where an industrial building in Lancaster County was hit. 

The Garner Industries facility collapsed with 70 people inside. Several were trapped, but everyone was evacuated, and the three injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said. 

One or perhaps two tornados that left damage consistent with a EF3 twister (135mph to 165mph winds) then began to move toward Omaha, said a meteorologist in the National Weather Service’s Omaha office.

The tornado hit Elkhorn, Nebraska, on the outskirts of Omaha, at about 4 pm on Friday where it wrecked at least six homes – all of them newly built – and damaged dozens more.

‘The whole neighborhood just to the north of us is pretty flattened,’ Kim Woods, whose house was mostly spared, said. 

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One of the first twisters hit Elkhorn, Nebraska, on the outskirts of Omaha, about 4pm on Friday where it wrecked at least six homes - all of them newly built - and damaged dozens more

One of the first twisters hit Elkhorn, Nebraska, on the outskirts of Omaha, about 4pm on Friday where it wrecked at least six homes – all of them newly built – and damaged dozens more

People are pick through the rubble of a house that was leveled in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Residents began sifting through the rubble after a tornado plowed through suburban Omaha

People are pick through the rubble of a house that was leveled in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Residents began sifting through the rubble after a tornado plowed through suburban Omaha

Debris is spread all over a Minden, Iowa property as friends, family and coworkers help clean up the damage on Saturday, April 27, 2024, after a tornado the previous evening

Debris is spread all over a Minden, Iowa property as friends, family and coworkers help clean up the damage on Saturday, April 27, 2024, after a tornado the previous evening

Damage is seen to a neighborhood after a tornado moved through the area in Minden, Iowa, Saturday, April 27, 2024

Damage is seen to a neighborhood after a tornado moved through the area in Minden, Iowa, Saturday, April 27, 2024

Those capturing pictures of the swirling storms were able to get particularly close

Those capturing pictures of the swirling storms were able to get particularly close

Staci Roe, on the other hand, wasn’t as lucky. She said the irreparable damage to her two-year-old ‘forever home’ caused her ‘utter dread’ when she saw it for the first time.

‘There was no home to come to,’ Roe said. 

Another tornado began elsewhere in Omaha about 5pm on Friday and flung planes at Eppley Airfield around like toys and ripped them to shreds.

The passenger terminal wasn’t hit by the tornado but people rushed to storm shelters until the twister passed.

A storm chaser filmed one of the tornadoes crossing highway near Omaha, churning up debris from both the road and adjacent farmland.

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Another tornado began elsewhere in Omaha about 5pm and flung planes at Eppley Airfield around like toys and ripped them to shreds

Another tornado began elsewhere in Omaha about 5pm and flung planes at Eppley Airfield around like toys and ripped them to shreds 

Storm chasers also documented a tornado crossing a highway near Omaha, revealing the destructive power of the funnel-shaped storm

Storm chasers also documented a tornado crossing a highway near Omaha, revealing the destructive power of the funnel-shaped storm

Ultra wide view of the damage done to Minden, Iowa by a tornado that struck Friday

Ultra wide view of the damage done to Minden, Iowa by a tornado that struck Friday

Omaha Public Power District trucks line up to restore power at a property in Waterloo, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 27, 2024

Omaha Public Power District trucks line up to restore power at a property in Waterloo, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 27, 2024

Another view of a town near Omaha, Nebraska that was damaged by a tornado

Another view of a town near Omaha, Nebraska that was damaged by a tornado

A tornado caught on camera in Lancaster, Nebraska, which damaged an industrial facility with 70 people inside

A tornado caught on camera in Lancaster, Nebraska, which damaged an industrial facility with 70 people inside

The driver came across an overturned big rig that had been flipped by the powerful tornado which could still be seen churning away in the distance. 

Photos on social media showed heavily damaged homes and shredded trees. Video showed homes with roofs stripped of roof tiles, in a rural area near Omaha. 

Fewer than two dozen people were treated at hospitals in the Omaha-area, said Dr. Lindsay Huse, health director of the city’s Douglas County Health Department. 

A third, very powerful tornado, developed about the same time on Friday and cut a swathe through hundreds of miles of both Nebraska and Iowa.

Minden, Iowa, was hit particularly hard with half the town’s buildings damaged, four people injured, and the whole community cut off.

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‘About 40 homes, maybe 50, were destroyed, gas leaks, wires down, a lot of debris. So it’s a very dangerous area, except for the people that live here, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy Jeff Theulen said.

‘Obviously, they’re trying to take care of their houses and our thoughts and prayers are with them.’

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds spent Saturday touring the damage and arranging for assistance for the tornado-devastated communities. Formal damage assessments are still underway, but the two states plan to seek federal help. 



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Nebraska

Nebraska Football Targeting California Commit

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Nebraska Football Targeting California  Commit


Nebraska is now a leader to land Aiden Manutai. Here is the latest.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers aren’t exactly done in the 2025 cycle as they have been searching for some flip targets. After actively searching, the Huskers may have found another one.

That guy is Aiden Manutai. Manutai is a Kahuku High School defensive back from Kahuku, Hawaii. He plays safety and is a listed four-star from ESPN. Manutai is committed to the California Golden Bears.

Manutai has been a target for the Cornhuskers for a bit of time and started to trend towards the Cornhuskers earlier this month. Manutai was originally interested in Nebraska along with five other schools before committing to the Bears.

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Manutai did not make a trip to Lincoln this weekend, which is a good sign for the Golden Bears. However, the Cornhuskers are in a good spot despite this visit not happening. The Huskers made their first bowl game in years which is a positive sign for any recruit.

Manutai is also one of many recruits who were influenced by the addition of Dawson Merritt, who recently flipped from Alabama to Nebraska. Will Manutai be the next flip for the Big Red?

MORE: Luke Fickell: ‘Don’t Have Any Excuses’ for Wisconsin Football Loss to Nebraska

MORE: Nebraska Football Exorcises a Decade Worth of Demons in Win Over Wisconsin

MORE: Iowa Football Opens as Home Favorite Over Nebraska in Black Friday Matchup

MORE: Five Big Ten Teams Remain in Associated Press, Coaches Top 25 Polls

MORE: Husker Doc Talk: Nebraska Football Is Going Bowling!

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



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Analytics Review: Nebraska Football vs. Wisconsin

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Analytics Review: Nebraska Football vs. Wisconsin


It was an unseasonably nice afternoon in Memorial Stadium. And no, I’m not talking about temperatures in the high 50s for the final home game. In his second game as offensive coordinator, Dana Holgorsen’s offense exploded for arguably the Nebraska offense’s best game under Matt Rhule. Dylan Raiola played his best game, throwing for over 290 yards with no sacks and no turnovers. For the first time all season, I’d say the Huskers played well in all three phases of the game, and that was enough to send them bowling this December.

The story of this game was the Huskers offense. Emmett Johnson became Nebraska’s second 100-yard running back of the Matt Rhule era, joining Anthony Grant last season against Louisiana Tech. The Huskers had just two of their runs “stuffed” (a run for 0 or fewer yards) on their way to their second-best rushing output this season.

I was struck by the blocking effort in this game. Jahmal Banks held his block on the edge until Dante Dowdell crossed the goal line. Linemen were pulling and still blocking ten yards downfield, helping players fight for extra yards. That type of extra effort made this a special night for the offense.

Overall stat tables for Nebraska vs. Wisconsin.

Overall stat tables for Nebraska vs. Wisconsin. / Game On Paper

The Husker’s offense also dominated the control of the ball. The Nebraska offense was built on methodical drives. Even if you remove Nebraska’s two explosive plays, the Huskers offense still managed an EPA of 3.88. This was the first game all season where Nebraska’s non-explosive plays went for a positive EPA.   

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Special teams was also a big positive for the Huskers in this game. Nebraska’s special teams performed 12.5 points better than Wisconsin’s this game. This was just the second time this season that Nebraska’s special teams unit was a net positive (Ohio State, 2.86 EPA). John Hohl’s 14 points were the most by a kicker in the Matt Rhule era.

The defense still had its concerning moments this game. Wisconsin performed in the 90th percentile or better in many offensive statistics, including its seven explosive plays. These big plays are a cause for concern against Iowa, as the Wisconsin offense is one of the worst teams in the country in generating explosive plays, at just 5.8%. The Nebraska defense was stout on crucial plays, allowing just a 30% 3rd-down success rate and a 33% red zone success rate.

Biggest plays of the game, by absolute EPA.

Biggest plays of the game, by absolute EPA. / Game On Paper

Going into this game, Nebraska lost nine straight games after winning number five and ten consecutive games to Wisconsin. Many people on social media want to make fun of Nebraska fans for storming the field after getting to bowl eligibility. I’m happy these people can enjoy their laughs while they can. The Matt Rhule rebuild is running on schedule, and we all know what year three looks like for him.

Through 11 games, the Nebraska skill position group is the youngest in college football. The extra practice to build chemistry with each other and get more practice reps running Holgorsen’s offense is invaluable. The 2024 seniors won much less than most in Lincoln would’ve liked. But as they walked off the field for the final time, they put Nebraska football on a new trajectory.

MORE: Home Sweep Home: Nebraska Volleyball Dominates Wisconsin on Senior Night

MORE: Gallery: Nebraska Volleyball Sweeps Wisconsin on Senior Night

MORE: Gallery: Huskers Stun Wisconsin and Are Now Bowl Eligible

MORE: Tad Stryker: Breakthrough Day

MORE: I-80 Club After Dark: Party Like Its 2016

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

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Gallery: Nebraska Volleyball Sweeps Wisconsin on Senior Night

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Gallery: Nebraska Volleyball Sweeps Wisconsin on Senior Night


Nebraska and Wisconsin Volleyball have played a total of six sets against each other this season, all of which have been won by the Huskers. Seniors, Merritt Beason, Leyla Blackwell, Lindsay Krause, Kennadi Orr and Lexi Rodriguez were all celebrated for their contributions to the program after tonight’s win.

Lexi Rodriguez smiles during pre-game player introductions.

Lexi Rodriguez smiles during pre-game player introductions. / Amarillo Mullen
Rebekah Allick (5) celebrates her kill with Bergen Reilly (2).

Rebekah Allick (5) celebrates her kill with Bergen Reilly (2). / Amarillo Mullen
Andi Jackson (15) and Merritt Beason celebrate a double-stuff block.

Andi Jackson (15) and Merritt Beason celebrate a double-stuff block. / Amarillo Mullen
Taylor Landfair celebrates a Wisconsin touch for a Husker point.

Taylor Landfair celebrates a Wisconsin touch for a Husker point. / Amarillo Mullen
Justine Wong-Orantes (left) and Jordan Larson (right) are recognized for their silver medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Justine Wong-Orantes (left) and Jordan Larson (right) are recognized for their silver medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. / Amarillo Mullen
Bergen Reilly sets the ball.

Bergen Reilly sets the ball. / Amarillo Mullen
Laney Choboy celebrates a point for the Huskers.

Laney Choboy celebrates a point for the Huskers. / Amarillo Mullen
Rebekah Allick tallied 10 kills in Nebraska's win.

Rebekah Allick tallied 10 kills in Nebraska’s win. / Amarillo Mullen
The student section celebrates a point.

The student section celebrates a point. / Amarillo Mullen
The Huskers celebrate their three-set sweep over Wisconsin.

The Huskers celebrate their three-set sweep over Wisconsin. / Amarillo Mullen
Head coach, John Cook, hugs Merritt Beason during senior day introductions.

Head coach, John Cook, hugs Merritt Beason during senior day introductions. / Amarillo Mullen
Lexi Rodriguez (black) hugs a tearful Laney Choboy (left) and Harper Murray (right).

Lexi Rodriguez (black) hugs a tearful Laney Choboy (left) and Harper Murray (right). / Amarillo Mullen
Lexi Rodriguez waves to the fans at the Devaney Center.

Lexi Rodriguez waves to the fans at the Devaney Center. / Amarillo Mullen
The team meets on the court after their win.

The team meets on the court after their win. / Amarillo Mullen
The Nebraska Volleyball team poses with the this year's seniors.

The Nebraska Volleyball team poses with the this year’s seniors. / Amarillo Mullen



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