Fatal tornadoes slam into Nebraska

A small town in the US state of Nebraska was devastated on Monday when two massive tornadoes struck the state, killing at least one person and critically injuring 16 others.

The National Weather Service reported that one of the tornadoes slammed into the town of Pilger, a community of about 350 people about 75 miles northwest of Omaha.

The other tornado, about a mile away, had caused “significant damage” near Stanton, Nebraska, the Weather Channel reported on its Twitter feed.

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman declared a state of emergency, and the Nebraska National Guard was preparing to assist local emergency responders and help with the cleanup.

“More than half of the town is gone — absolutely gone,” said Jerry Weatherholt, a member of the Stanton County Commission. “The co-op is gone, the grains bins are gone, and it looks like almost every house in town has some damage.”

“This is a significant storm, and one that I have never seen the likes of, ever. Really,” said Greg Postel, a severe weather specialist for The Weather Channel.

Much of eastern Nebraska, northern Iowa and southern Minnesota remained under a tornado watch as Monday night. More severe weather, including possible tornadoes and large hail, was likely through the night, forecasters said.

“I just have to use one word — devastation,” said Wisner-Pilger Schools Superintendent Chad Boyer by phone from inside the school. “It’s a tremendous loss all around the town. Certainly, our thoughts and prayers are with the community.