TIMELINE: Tornadoes touch down in northeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa on Friday, April 26

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Ten tornadoes, five of them EF-3 strength, touched down in northeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa on Friday, April 26, 2024. Below is the timeline of events as it unfolded, and ways you can give and receive help.

You can find resources at the top of this article. To read the full timeline, start at the bottom of the page and scroll up.

HOW TO GIVE HELP OR RECEIVE HELP

3 News Now Tornado Relief Campaign
You can donate by texting "OMAHA" to 50155. All donations will stay in the area.

KMTV Staff

Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund
The Community Foundation for Western Iowa has established a fund to help those in Pottawattamie County who've been affected by the storm. You can donate here.

The Relevant Center
On Saturday morning, The Relevant Center was at capacity for volunteers. However, those interested in volunteering can head to the center at 7:30 a.m. to help out, as volunteers will continue to be needed in the coming days. The center is especially in need of volunteers with specialty experience, such as in medical care or disaster response, and those with specialty equipment like construction vehicles and tools. All volunteers are also welcome to bring debris removal equipment.

The Red Cross
Those interested in volunteering can search for a volunteer site by zip codeat The Red Cross website.

Nebraska Athletics
Nebraska Athletics is helping with tornado relief efforts after Friday's storms, partnering with Fanatics, Best of Big Red, Lincoln Scheels, and other local stores to sell "Nebraska Together" apparel. Find out more here.

Southpaw Veterinary Clinic
Southpaw Veterinary Clinic is offering to treat all pets impacted by the storms free of charge.

SHELTERS

Common Ground Community Center
Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman has announced a shelter is set up at Common Ground Community Center, 1701 Veterans Drive in Elkhorn.

ROAD CLOSURES

Please check the latest road closure information on the Nebraska DOT closure map before traveling.

REPORTING OUTAGES AND DAMAGE

Reporting a Power Outage

Use this link to the Omaha Public Power District to report a power outage at your property by looking up your account.

Reporting Damage in Douglas County

Follow this link to report storm damage for Douglas County residents.

TIMELINE

Tuesday 7 p.m.:

Alerts in some areas have expired early, including the tornado watch for Douglas County. Read the latest alerts here.

Tuesday 3:40 p.m.:

Douglas County Emergency Management Agency reports three outdoor warning sirens are currently inoperable.

The sirens are at these locations:

• 58th & L Streets
• 138th Street & Ames Avenue
• 168 & State Streets

Douglas County operates 125 outdoor warning sirens, meaning these 3 sirens represent only about 2 percent of the county's sirens. Download the 3 News Now app for updated weather alerts.

The Tornado Watch has expanded to the Kansas state line.

Tuesday 3:25 p.m.:

Omaha Public Power District's customer service branch offices are closed for the day. This only affects in-person customers.

OPPD's call center will be open through 8 p.m. Customers with typical service needs, such as to pay bills, can reach OPPD by calling 402-536-4131.

Customers can report power outages any time by calling 1-800-554-OPPD (6773). Outages can be reported online here.

Tuesday 3 p.m.:

A Tornado Watch has been issued. It will remain in effect until 10 p.m. tonight.

Tuesday 1:00 p.m.:

Watch the latest forecast update in the player below.

Tuesday 8:25 a.m.:

Potentially-severe storms move into the area this afternoon, impacting clean-up. A cold front is expected to push into northeast Nebraska around 2 p.m. Storms will follow. Read the full forecast here.

Monday 8:15 p.m.:

As clean-up continues, Tuesday morning will start sunny, but strong to severe storms are expected to move into our area starting in early afternoon. You can read or watch Tuesday's forecast here.

Monday 4:15 p.m.:

The NWS has released updated survey results, indicating ten tornadoes touched down on Friday. Five of the tornadoes were rated EF-3. Read more and see their paths here.

Monday 2:18 p.m.:

Preliminary reports show there were six total tornadoes that touched down on Friday.

• Elkhorn/Blair - EF-3
• Minden - EF-3
• Eppley - EF-3
• Waverly - EF-3
• Between Council Bluffs and Treynor - EF-3
• Glenwood - EF-1

Monday 12:50 p.m.:

The City of Omaha is offering 10 dump trucks and loaders to assist in debris clean-up in Elkhorn. The trucks will be available daily from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Ramblewood neighborhood. They can accept tree and household debris, including furntiure, bricks, shingles, drywall and more. Hazardous materials such as tires, batteries and waste oil cannot be accepted. Find more debris drop-off information here.

Monday 9:30 a.m.:

Pottawattamie County now estimates approximately 300 homes and businesses were damaged in Friday's storm. In Minden alone, 48 homes were destroyed. A curfew remains in effect nightly from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Officials have limited access to Minden to city residents only. More information on Minden is available here.

Monday 7:30 a.m.:

Families impacted by the storm and volunteers continuing storm clean-up will start the day with sunny and quiet weather. Meteorologist Mark Stitz reports the threat of severe weather arriving Tuesday. Read or watch his full forecast here.

Sunday 11:00 p.m.:

As of Sunday night, about 500 customers of Omaha Public Power District remain without power. According to OPPD, this means power has been restored to 95% of customers affected on Friday.

Sunday 7:30 p.m.:

With clean-up continuing tomorrow and beyond, we've compiled a list of debris drop-off sites in your neighborhood here. Be sure to make sure the site you're heading to can accept the kind of debris you're hauling.

Sunday 6 p.m.:

The Douglas County Health Department continues to urge anyone involved in storm clean-up to ensure that their tetanus vaccination is up to date.

A tetanus vaccine clinic will be held daily through Thursday. You can find more information here.

Sunday 5:30 p.m.:

The Red Cross will close both of its shelters today. Residents who had been using the shelter were able to find other places to stay.

St. Patrick's Catholic School, Bennington School District and Elkhorn School District will all be open for the week.

Sunday 3:06 p.m.:

3 News Now has learned one person in Minden, Iowa has died from injuries they sustained during the storm. Southwest Iowa neighborhood reporter Katrina Markel is working to learn more. This marks the only tornado-related death reported so far.

Sunday 12:45 p.m.:

Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn is offering free hot meals to those affected by the storm, volunteers, and first responders. The church will be offering breakfast, lunch and dinner at the following times:

• 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.
• 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Meals will be provided Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at least until lunch. They are prepared to stay longer if needed.

Sunday 10:45 a.m.:

State police are assisting in Douglas County to help homeowners impacted by storms to keep their property secure.

Wet conditions today will continue affect cleanup and recovery. Read the latest forecast here.

Sunday 10 a.m.:

Washington County Sheriff's Office announced three locations to drop off tree debris. They will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will only accept tree debris. They will not accept other materials, including roofing and appliances.

These are Washington County's tree debris drop-off locations:

• Intersection of Co Rd 38 & 35 near the Blair Airport
• 3^rd and Grant in the City of Blair
• Fort Calhoun City Tree dump located at the intersection of Co Rd 47 & 34

Sunday 8 a.m.:

Several sections of NE 31 remain closed in Omaha and north of Omaha. Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson reminded residents Saturday to stay off the roads if possible, to allow responders to access impacted areas.

Omaha Public Power District is reporting 1,862 customers without power in Douglas County, and an additional 88 customers in Washington County. These numbers indicate significant progress in restoring power since Friday.

Saturday 10:30 p.m.:
Officials estimate that around 180 homes were lost in the tornado that swept through Minden, Iowa, a community of approximately 600 people.

Anchor Zach Williamson and Southwest Iowa Neighborhood Reporter Katrina Markel were in Minden for the Governor's visit and a tour of the devastated town.

Saturday 7:45 p.m.:

3 News Now has launched a Tornado Relief Campaign. Learn how to help families in your neighborhood here. All donations stay in the area.

Saturday 4 p.m.:

Gov. Jim Pillen held a news conference in Omaha with local, county and state first responders and officials. Below are the updates provided in that news conference.

National Guard Major General Craig Strong, Adjutant General for Nebraska, announced that he and Gov. Pillen were working on the governor's emergency proclamation, which allows those in need of support during the recovery phase to receive it. Reconnaissance and assessment of the storm damage is underway by the National Guard, which is conducting a joint assessment with FEMA.

An update was provided by Chris Franks of the National Weather Service. Franks indicated the tornado that touched down in western Douglas County appears to be at least an EF-3. The tornado that touched down at Eppley Airfield and traveled into Iowa was an EF-2. Surveys by the NWS will continue Sunday and possibly into Monday.

Dr. Lindsay Huse of the Douglas County Health Department reported no interruption of hospital operations. Around 18 people in Douglas County were injured in the storm. They were treated and released. No deaths have been reported. Dr. Huse stressed the importance of tetanus vaccinations for responders and those assisting with cleanup. Anyone with minor injuries from the storm who has not yet sought medical attention should see a healthcare provider because they may need a tetanus shot.

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson is urging people to stay home, and do not drive to impacted areas. Sheriff Hanson and Governor Pillen were stuck in multiple traffic jams on Saturday, which Hanson blamed on "looky loos." In addition, Sheriff Hanson urged anyone interested in helping those affected by the storms to only do so through an organized response, and not try to help on their own.

Saturday 2 p.m.:

Aerial drone video shows the extent of damage in the Ramblewood neighborhood of Elkhorn.

Saturday 1:30 p.m.:

The National Weather Service reports their survey teams have found multiple areas of at least EF-3 damage, from separate tornadoes. 3 News Now meteorologist Joseph Meyer says an EF-3 has wind speeds of 136 to 165 miles per hour.

Saturday 11:00 a.m.:

Eppley Airfield reports no one was injured as a result of the storm. It is working with aircraft operators to assess the full impact of damage. The passenger terminal area was not affected.

Saturday 10:40 a.m.:

Nebraska Public Power District is sending almost two dozen workers to assist in restoring power in Omaha. NPPD provided the following statement:

For those needing to drop off debris today, the Pheasant Point landfill is open until 3 p.m. When dropping off green limbs, please ensure they are cut down to four feet.

Saturday 10:00 a.m.:

Pottawattamie County is reporting four storm-related injuries. Neighborhood reporter Katrina Markel has a full update on storm recovery in Minden here.

Friday 9:10 p.m.:

Fire Chief Kathy Bossman held a news conference at 9 p.m. and provided the following updates:

• Two people were injured Friday.
• No fatalities have been reported. No one has been reported missing.
• At least 50 properties have significant damage.
• Searches and evaluations will happen tonight. They will evaluate overall damage to the area, then look at how to best provide resources.

Friday 8:50 p.m.:

Neighborhood reporter Jillian Lamkins shared images of damage near Bennington.

KMTV/Jillian Lamkins

KMTV/Jillian Lamkins

KMTV/Jillian Lamkins

Friday 8:15 p.m.:

As families assess the aftermath of tornado damage, neighbors are offering support. Neighborhood reporter Katrina Markel found a line of cars ready to help a neighbor whose home has extensive damage.

Friday 6:50 p.m.:

Eppley Airfield releases statement on tornado damage

Friday 6:44 pm:

Friday 6:15 pm:

Emergency Animal Control Calls

Friday 5:50 pm:

Friday 5:39 pm:

Tornadoes Injure Two People

In a statement, a representative from Bryan Health said:

Friday 5:27 pm:

Friday 5:19 pm:

Friday 4:57 pm:

Friday 2:56 pm: