Hail and Damaging Winds in Nebraska, August 17, 1999

Severe thunderstorms packing high winds, heavy rain and some hail ripped across south-central Nebraska throughout the evening hours of August 17. The main wrath from the thunderstorms was strong and damaging winds. Three areas appeared to take the brunt of the storms.The storm entered south-central Nebraska in western Dawson county around mid-evening and produced some of the worst damage. House and vehicle damage was extensive in Gothenburg due to fallen trees. Streets were impassable and power was lost for over 18 hours in the city. Trees from 45 to 60 feet tall were uprooted by the wind. City clean up costs totaled over $30,000. while private property losses were estimated over $250,000. Widespread tree and power line damage was also reported in Cozad and Lexington. Most of the region received between 2 and 3 inches of rain in less than one hour.As the storms progressed east, intense straight-line winds damaged 5 homes west of Doniphan. Outbuildings were damaged or destroyed and grain bins tossed like toys. Large trees were damaged considerably along with the corn crop in the area. The damage was also extensive in the Hastings area. Again large and fallen trees made roads impassable and downed power lines. A lightning strike hit a business in the southern part of town. The resulting fire destroyed the business. In surrounding areas, farmsteads sustained widespread damage to grain bins, outbuildings and irrigation pivots.Elsewhere in south-central Nebraska, sporadic reports of over turned irrigation center pivots, minor building damage, tree damage and heavy rain were received.