Multiple powerful tornadoes have ripped through the central US, leaving hundreds of houses badly damaged or completely destroyed in their wake. Authorities have warned that severe storms are expected to continue until Sunday.
The National Weather Service had received over 90 reports of tornadoes in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa as of 9pm Central Time.
Dramatic photos and videos of the violent weather have circulated online, some captured by local news outlets and others taken by storm spotters.
One of the most powerful tornadoes ripped through Omaha, a city of some 485,000 people in Nebraska. Local authorities reported major damage to homes and businesses, but no confirmed fatalities.
“There’s lots of trees down. There’s roofs missing from houses. You definitely see the path of the tornado,” police Lt. Neal Bonacci said, as footage on social media showed multiple completely destroyed or heavily damaged structures.
“We’ll be looking throughout properties in debris piles, we’ll be looking in basements, trying to find any victims and make sure everybody is rescued who needs assistance,” Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman added.
Another “particularly dangerous” tornado touched down near the towns of Harlan, Shelby and Minden in Iowa, with meteorologists warning of possible “catastrophic damage.”
The Weather Service issued an “ominous” forecast, according to AP, warning that large hail and strong wind gusts were on Saturday, with more tornadoes expected across parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.