LINCOLN – Homeowners are picking up the pieces after a tornado ripped through northern Douglas County on Thursday.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the tornado followed a narrow path between 72nd and 78th streets, from Omaha Trace Street to Dutch Hall Road, causing devastating damage.
Several homes sustained significant damage, and trees and powerlines blocked long stretches of road.
According to Capt. Kristopher Peterson, four homes in the area are now uninhabitable, while 28 others have suffered minor roof and structural damage.
One minor injury was reported, and the person was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Joe Adams’ house was directly in the path of the tornado, which he said hit so quickly that he did not have time to be scared.
“There was not much warning, it just happened,” recalled Adams. “It is amazing how fast it can turn you upside-down.”
The Irvington and Ponca Fire Departments assisted with the rescue efforts in the area.
The Omaha Public Power District and the Douglas County Engineer’s Office assisted in clearing the area’s roads.
For the next few days, Peterson said, the sheriff’s office will patrol the area to protect residents from looters.
“We will not give any second chances here,” Peterson stated. “Please take this as a warning.”
This comes after several destroyed homes in Elkhorn were looted following the 2024 tornado outbreak.