AURORA, Neb. — A storm bearing rain, hail and possible tornadoes struck central Nebraska on Thursday night, damaging businesses, derailing train cars, tearing down trees and disrupting power to thousands.
A possible tornado touched down near Aurora, about 70 miles west of Lincoln, damaging a few businesses and at least one house on the outskirts of town.
Tornadoes were also reported in Kearney, about 60 miles west of Aurora, where 40 rail cars were blown off the tracks outside the city limits. There were reports of downed trees and power lines throughout Kearney, and reports of damage on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus and at a county fairground.
Downtown Aurora appeared mostly untouched by the storm, but there were twisted trees and metal buildings on the outskirts of town. State officials closed down a section of Interstate 80 nearby because of downed power lines.
State officials were headed to Kearney to assess the damage. Jen Rae Hein, spokeswoman for Gov. Dave Heineman, said the state’s emergency operations center was set up Thursday evening.
Buffalo County residents were warned to remain indoors, and travel was discouraged.
Nebraska Public Power District spokesman Mark Becker said 12,000 Kearney customers were without power Thursday evening.
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