NewsLocal News

Actions

STRONG STORMS, STRONGER NEIGHBORS: Visible progress 2 years after Arbor Day tornadoes

2 YEARS LATER: LOOKING BACK AT THE ARBOR DAY TORNADOES
Posted

The storms were strong, but these communities are stronger.

Sunday will mark two years since the Arbor Day tornadoes hit our neighborhoods — Upending lives from Elkhorn, Nebraska into Pottawattamie and Shelby Counties in Iowa.

Those long-track twisters roared up from Lincoln the afternoon of April 26, 2024, destroying homes in Western Douglas County and Elkhorn.

A separate tornado hit Eppley Airfield, ripping apart general aviation terminals, before crossing the river to Crescent.

The town of Minden and Shelby County in Southwest Iowa were among the last places to be hit by yet another storm system. Minden was devastated: one man lost his life and roughly half of the homes in town were destroyed.

Multiple farmsteads in Shelby County were also struck, causing what a county supervisor told KMTV was roughly $100 million in damages.

WATCH KATRINA'S STORY WITH SHELBY FAMILY

Two years later: Iowa family rebuilds, welcomes new baby

RELATED
What should you do if a tornado warning is issued, but you live in an apartment?

HOW MANY STORMS WERE THERE ON APRIL 26, 2024?
The Tornadoes of the 'Arbor Day Tornado Outbreak' of 2024
Taking a look at the science of how the Arbor Day tornadoes happened

AFTERMATH
Injuries reported in Minden following tornadoes; only residents allowed access to town
One dead in Minden, 180 homes lost following Friday tornado
Elkhorn residents come together after terrorizing tornado tears through family homes
'I grew up in this house:' Family huddles in tiny cellar during Minden tornado
'It's pretty miraculous': Elkhorn dog survives tornado, kennel he was in flies four blocks
TORNADO IMPACT: 'I was just hoping I did come up and see anything, honestly'
Ramblewood neighbors recount Friday's devastating tornado
Shelby County supervisor: 74 farmsteads severely damaged by tornado over 30 miles
'DEJA VU:' Another tornado skirts storm-ravaged Minden
Traffic impacts tornado cleanup in Elkhorn: 'It's been like a, almost like a parade'
Elkhorn woman donates car to tornado survivor
'We let love see us through': Catholic Church supports Elkhorn community following devastating tornado
'Some people have it a lot worse than we do': In Shelby, families hit by tornadoes think of others
SPREADING JOY: How a toy drive is helping tornado victims in Elkhorn
MINDEN TORNADO RECOVERY: Neighbors can get help, even if they're already insured
Tornado Recovery: What's needed now as one Elkhorn resource organizes donations
Displaced Iowa residents will need housing solutions as tornado recovery continues
FEMA connects with tornado-impacted neighbors in Iowa: ‘You don't have to go through this process alone’
National Weather Service upgrades April 26 tornado to EF-4
'It's a waiting game': Frustrations in Shelby County as tornado recovery slow for farmers
Crescent neighbors could use a break from severe weather

RECOVERY
Elkhorn family displaced by mold in tornado-damaged home nearly a year and a half after storm
Tornado survivors navigate through a maze of permits and inspections while they work to rebuild
AFTER THE TORNADO: A different summer for Minden students and teachers
On Independence Day, Council Bluffs man joyful to learn grandparents' Minden home survived, being renovated
'It feels nice to have my own room': Minden kids affected by tornado are back at school after different summer
'We’re definitely in the grind now': Pace of recovery in Minden frustrates some neighbors
'A very resilient community': Minden receives federal money for affordable housing project
'WE DESERVE THIS': Football championship brings joy to tornado-stricken community
MINDEN ONE YEAR LATER: The small, southwest Iowa town is building back bigger and better
'Part of what makes a house a home': Rebuilding the tree canopy in tornado-struck Elkhorn neighborhood
Neighborhoods slowly coming back to life in Washington County one year after Arbor Day tornadoes
'We needed to': Why local groups stepped up after April 2024 tornadoes
Lessons from Ramblewood: Tornado survivors speak out
'Be prepared, have a plan': Harlan farm family recalls moment tornado hit their house
'Huge loss': Minden pharmacy closes amid tornado damage, low reimbursement rates
'We need it': Re-opening of Minden cafe means more than just food after tornado
TORNADO RECOVERY: Minden's efforts to build a new water plant tangled in red tape
New townhomes rise from tornado-damaged Minden block
'We need it': Crescent housing development awarded grant for disaster-affected communities

Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage.

Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox.