Power Outage in Aurora, NE

This Hamilton County tornado touched down four miles southeast of Giltner and traveled northeast into Aurora. The estimated maximum wind gust of 100 MPH was based mainly upon snapped power poles. There were numerous irrigation pivots damaged along and near this path. The tornado crossed Interstate 80 approximately two miles west of the Aurora interchange. The tornado entered the southwest side of Aurora near the fairgrounds. Metal cladding was peeled from storage facilities nearby and there were several spots of tree damage. The tornado lifted around 12th and E Streets just south of the railroad tracks.

This tornado touched down in northeast Hamilton County near Kronborg and moved northeast into southwest Polk County. This tornado was one of the more classic-looking tornadoes of the day, based on photos reviewed. The estimated maximum wind speed of 100 MPH was based primarily upon snapped power poles, but a hog facility was also heavily damages about 2 miles into the path of this tornado. The tornado crossed Highway 66 about two miles west of Polk. Just before it lifted north of Polk, the tornado took down a large metal building.

Wind gusts were estimated to be near 95 MPH through this area. Widespread significant tree damage, crop damage, downed power lines, snapped power poles, and power outages were reported along and near this path. A high-voltage transmission line was downed approximately four miles southwest of Aurora, crossing Interstate 80 and causing traffic issues. Several outbuildings and grain bins were damaged or destroyed, mainly south of Aurora. A 66 ft by 120 ft outbuilding just southwest of Aurora was damaged, with sheets of metal blown upwards of 200 yards away. Semi-trucks were blown over on Interstate 80 near both the Aurora and Giltner exits.

A wind gust of 78 MPH was recorded by a mesonet station located just west of Aurora at 10:54 PM CDT and a gust of 64 MPH was recorded by a mesonet station located in Aurora at 10:57 PM CDT. Along with numerous reports of tree damage and power outages, there was minor roof and window damage to a few business in Aurora, as well as reports of tree limbs falling onto cars.

This landspout moved north-northwest for approximately 1 mile before diminishing roughly as it crossed Highway 14 just south of Aurora. The main observable damage was damage to storage building roll-up doors, a couple of larger overhead doors and a downed power line. The treeline near the start of the tornado had evidence of cornstalks lofted up into the trees and power lines.

Freezing rain and freezing drizzle resulted in a coating of ice at least one-quarter inch thick. Travel was hazardous, and numerous tree limbs were downed. Power lines were also affected, causing power outages.

At least 10 power poles were downed along Highway 24. Grain gins south of the highway were destroyed and at least 4 pivots were overturned.

The combination of an extended period of light freezing precipitation and frequent gusts over 50 MPH resulted in power outages across the area.

Wind gusts estimated to be near 60 MPH resulted in tree damage and power outages in Aurora.

The confirmed tornado touched down approximately 6 miles north of Hampton and tracked northward to approximately 5 miles south and 2 miles east of Hordville, where it then lifted. In total, this tornado overturned 3 irrigation pivots, destroyed 2 grain bins and downed 7 power poles. The top wind speed estimated with this tornado was 95 mph.

A large tornado touched down west of Aurora on Highway 34, then traveled east approximately 5 miles before lifting. In its path, it destroyed a house and several outbuildings, power poles, trees, and overturned about a dozen railcars. The occupants were able to seek shelter before the tornado struck. Numerous storm chasers documented this storm.

A large tornado touched down west of Aurora on Highway 34, then traveled east approximately 5 miles before lifting. In its path, it destroyed a house and several outbuildings, power poles, trees, and overturned about a dozen railcars. The occupants were able to seek shelter before the tornado struck. Numerous storm chasers documented this storm.

This tornado was captured on a Hamilton County deputies car video system as it occurred northwest of Aurora. This weak tornado did damage a few power lines and trees along its path.

This tornado was captured on a Hamilton County deputies car video system as it occurred northwest of Aurora. This weak tornado did damage a few power lines and trees along its path.

This tornado started southwest of Aurora and moved southeast. The parent supercell had produced a rear flank downdraft (RFD) that was traveling down Interstate 80. As the tornado interacted with this RFD about a mile north of the Interstate, it rapidly increased in size and strength and started to move eastward. At this point the tornado damaged several homes and brought down a self standing cell tower. One home along Highway 14 sustained considerable damage. The tornado then moved to the northeast and dissipated just southwest of the village of Hampton. To the west of Hampton, several empty rail cars were blown off the tracks by what appeared to be inflow winds into the tornado. A major high voltage power line was brought down by the tornado as well as many power lines and poles in the rural areas. Also many center pivot irrigation systems were blown over along the tornadoes path.