Several southeast Nebraska communities were assessing damage Tuesday after severe storms swept through the region Monday evening, with Nemaha and Richardson counties among the hardest hit.
Auburn, located in Nemaha County, declared a local disaster following the storms. Straight-line wind damage and flooding left approximately 20 to 25 homes, several downtown commercial buildings, and the Nemaha County courthouse roof damaged. A farm west of town also lost grain bins and three Morton buildings. Around 2,000 customers lost power, though service has since been restored. Some downtown buildings may be structurally unstable, according to preliminary information from The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, or NEMA.
Erv Portis, assistant director of NEMA, said the response remains at the local level, and no state disaster declaration is expected at this time.
"The locals have all told us their response is well within their control," Portis said.
He said Richardson County sustained significant tornado damage from Monday's storms, with several confirmed touchdowns destroying grain bins and sheds and damaging rural homes. Downed power poles and electrical lines were also reported. Damage assessments are ongoing.
Suzanne Fortin, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service Omaha/Valley office, said survey teams departed Tuesday morning to assess damage along the US 75 corridor between Auburn and Dawson. The office has five preliminary tornado reports from Monday's storms, though the final count is pending.
"We're actually out conducting damage surveys at the moment, so we don't have the final tally of the storms yet," Fortin said.
Fortin said survey teams are examining several tornado tracks across southeast Nebraska, including one near Pawnee City with a path of roughly six miles and another in Richardson County. Additional tornado reports from Monday included multiple multi-vortex tornadoes and a cone tornado photographed south of Dawson near the Kansas state line. Fortin confirmed that Auburn's damage was the result of straight-line winds and significant flooding rather than a tornado touchdown.
Several other counties — including Jefferson, Gage, Thayer, Fillmore and Johnson — reported minor damage consisting primarily of downed trees and power outages. Most roads across affected counties are now clear and passable, according to NEMA.
Auburn has activated the 211 system for residents needing help with debris removal and is coordinating volunteer efforts through Nemaha County Emergency Management.
As communities begin the cleanup process, Portis urged residents across affected areas to be prepared at the individual, family and business level and to have a plan for recovery.
Gov. Jim Pillen's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Spokesperson Laura Strimple said Pillen was scheduled to appear on Fox Weather at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.