In the aftermath of Monday evening’s severe storms, communities across southeast Nebraska are working to assess and repair damage. Nemaha and Richardson counties have been particularly affected, with Auburn in Nemaha County declaring a local disaster.
The storm’s impact in Auburn includes straight-line wind damage and flooding, affecting 20 to 25 homes, several downtown commercial structures, and the roof of the Nemaha County courthouse. A farm west of Auburn suffered the loss of grain bins and three Morton buildings. Approximately 2,000 residents experienced power outages, although most have since regained service. Preliminary reports from The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) suggest some downtown buildings may be structurally compromised.
Erv Portis, NEMA’s assistant director, indicated that the situation is being managed locally, with no state disaster declaration anticipated. “The locals have all told us their response is well within their control,” Portis stated.
Richardson County faced significant tornado damage, with confirmed tornado touchdowns destroying grain bins, sheds, and damaging rural residences. Downed power lines and poles have also been reported, and damage assessments are still in progress.
The National Weather Service’s Omaha/Valley office sent survey teams on Tuesday to evaluate damage along the US 75 corridor from Auburn to Dawson. Meteorologist Suzanne Fortin reported five preliminary tornado accounts from the storms, but the final count remains pending. “We’re actually out conducting damage surveys at the moment, so we don’t have the final tally of the storms yet,” she explained.
Survey teams are examining tornado paths across southeast Nebraska, including a six-mile track near Pawnee City and another in Richardson County. Additional reports included multi-vortex tornadoes and a cone tornado south of Dawson near the Kansas state line. Fortin confirmed Auburn’s damage stemmed from straight-line winds and flooding, not a tornado.
Other counties, such as Jefferson, Gage, Thayer, Fillmore, and Johnson, reported minor damage, primarily downed trees and power outages. Most roads in the affected areas are now clear, according to NEMA.
Auburn has activated the 211 system to assist residents with debris removal, coordinating efforts through Nemaha County Emergency Management. Portis encouraged residents to prepare individually, as families, and as businesses, emphasizing the importance of having a recovery plan.
While Governor Jim Pillen’s office has not yet commented, spokesperson Laura Strimple noted that Pillen was scheduled to appear on Fox Weather at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.
