Links:
FEMA Web Page about this Disaster
Photo Log
Mitigating Tornadoes
Background:
Beginning May 20th and continuing through May 24th, severe storms moved across eastern and central Nebraska, spawning heavy rain, flooding, hail, and multiple tornadoes. On May 22nd severe tornado outbreaks occurred in 17 counties. On May 24th tornadoes touched down in additional counties. The Village of Hallam suffered the most damage, reporting widespread destruction and one fatality. The National Weather Service subsequently classified the Hallam tornado as a F-4 on the Fujita Scale of tornado intensity. There were 47 persons injured as a direct result of the severe weather across the State.
As of May 30, 2004, four counties were declared Federal disaster areas: Lancaster, Gage, Saline, and Cass. Preliminary damage assessments indicate in the four declared counties: 167 homes were destroyed, 57 suffered major damage, and 56 received minor damage. The disaster period is still open, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency may still add up to an additional 16 counties to this declaration. This includes the City of Omaha, which experienced some flooding, which flooded 31 structures - 29 damaged and 2 submerged. Saddle Creek in Omaha received the most press attention. Statewide from this round of severe weather, estimates are: 173 houses destroyed, 110 homes with major damage, and 191 with minor damage.
As of June 8th, 26 counties were added to this disaster declaration. However, not all counties are eligible for the same types of assistance. For more information, follow this link (FEMA web page).
On June 23rd, nine additional counties were declared for Public Assistance only: Antelope, Buffalo, Greeley, Howard, Nance, Pawnee, Pierce, Red Willow and Sherman. The addition of these nine counties brings the total number of disaster declared counties to 39. See this link (FEMA page) for more information.
Disaster Assistance:
As of June 20th, 767 persons registered for individual assistance. There have been 29,853 meals served by volunteer agencies. Homeowners had requested 42 Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications.
Business Impacts:
Four businesses were destroyed and six received major damage, and the business community in Hallam was virtually destroyed. As of June 20, businesses had requested 3 SBA loan applications.
Critical Facilities:
The Norris School complex one mile north of Firth was hit by the same tornado that struck Hallam. The elementary school received minor damage - structural stability of this building was estimated at 98%. Other than repairs and the replacement of windows, roofing, and other external objects, school in the elementary building is expected to be in session on time for this fall. The junior/senior high school building suffered extensive damage and will most likely need to be replaced. A portion of this structure may be salvageable, with the replaced portion of the building built to match. The estimated time for replacement is unknown.
Road/Transportation Status:
After a brief closing due to flooding on the morning of May 23rd, Highway 77 at Salt Creek (one mile south of Crete exit) is back to normal. One man needed to be rescued from his vehicle after trying to cross the flooded highway. A number of hopper cars were blown from the railroad track in Hallam. Clean-up was expected to begin on May 27th. Before the cars can be righted, the railroad has to lay new track. The expected repair time is four weeks.