The National Weather Service (NWS) is advising residents of Nebraska and Iowa to prepare for more severe weather after tornadoes struck the area on Friday.
Government agencies have issued enhanced red alerts for many areas of Nebraska. In a warning, the agency told residents that another round of severe weather was expected on Saturday. Forecasters are predicting large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding from 2 p.m. to midnight.
The NWS said Iowa could experience showers and severe storms in the south-central part of the state Saturday evening. Storms can be strong to severe, producing large hail (2 inches in diameter) and damaging winds. The agency also said it cannot rule out the possibility of some tornadoes. Iowans can expect severe weather Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m.
The agency also suspended cleanup efforts in both states Saturday and warned residents they should evacuate before the storm begins. Even if the area appears safe, the risk of lightning strikes remains high in Nebraska, officials said.
USA TODAY did not receive a response to requests for confirmation whether there were any injuries related to the Nebraska and Iowa tornadoes.
tornado:Could more tornadoes head toward Iowa? National Weather Service Forecast
Video showing tornadoes in southeastern Nebraska
A tornado was spotted on the ground in southeastern Nebraska, with some warnings in effect west of the Omaha metropolitan area.
The National Weather Service confirmed just after 3 p.m. local time Friday that a tornado was north of Waverly, Nebraska, moving northeast. Authorities called on residents in the area to evacuate immediately.
Footage posted to X (formerly Twitter) by SevereStudios weather videographer Nick Gorman shows a large tornado intercept north of Lincoln, also in Lancaster County.
At least 10 tornadoes hit central Iowa, National Weather Service says
The National Weather Service in Des Moines released a preliminary report early Saturday that at least 10 tornadoes hit central Iowa during the April 26 storm front, based on initial damage information.
Another cluster of tornadoes struck Nebraska and western Iowa.
Damage to trees and homes was reported from Crawford County to Union and Ringgold counties, as well as Polk and Jasper counties, the office said.
Photos showing the aftermath of the Iowa tornadoes
Contributors: Anthony Robredo, USA TODAY, Courtney Crowder and Victoria Reyna Rodriguez, Des Moines Register;
Ahjane Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s National Trends team. Arjane covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery, and public policy topics.Please email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Instagram, Threads, and X (Twitter) @forbesfinest.
