This post summarizes the impact and ongoing response to a powerful severe thunderstorm that struck Lincoln, Nebraska, early Saturday morning.
I outline the storm’s key facts — including peak wind gusts, widespread power outages, tree and property damage. Practical safety guidance and recovery information are provided based on decades of experience in emergency response and storm recovery.
Storm overview and immediate impacts
The thunderstorm produced reported wind gusts up to 91 mph, strong enough to cause extensive tree failure and structural damage across Lincoln and nearby communities.
More than 30,000 Lincoln residents lost power, and thousands more were affected in Seward, Waverly, and surrounding areas.
High winds led to a mix of downed limbs, toppled trees, and utility disruptions that can complicate rescue and restoration efforts for days.
State and local authorities mobilized quickly.
Gov. Jim Pillen confirmed emergency teams are assessing injuries and the status of state recreation areas.
Lincoln Parks and Recreation crews are already surveying damage and coordinating debris removal and tree hazard mitigation.
Public safety priorities right now
Public safety remains paramount.
City crews reported that 69 traffic signals were affected by the storm, with fewer than 20 still out by mid-afternoon.
Motorists are being asked to treat intersections with dark or flashing signals as all-way stops.
This simple behavior reduces the risk of additional collisions while electrical crews work to restore signals.
First responders have been busy with several notable incidents.
A tree fell on a mobile home near NW 27th and West O (no injuries reported).
Personnel at Branched Oak Lake responded to damaged campers and downed trees with at least one person transported to hospital.
Lincoln Fire and Rescue performed a technical rescue at an apartment on South 48th Street after a tree crashed through the roof.
What residents should do now
For homeowners and residents in affected neighborhoods, the immediate checklist should focus on safety, damage documentation, and preserving access for emergency crews and utility workers.
My decades in the field suggest prioritizing the following actions:
Cleanup, recovery, and next steps
Recovery will be a multi-day process. Lincoln Parks and Recreation and utility crews are coordinating to prioritize hazardous tree removal and restore traffic signals.
They are also working to get power back to neighborhoods systematically. Residents can aid recovery by clearing private driveways of small debris (without touching downed wires).
Consolidate large limbs for municipal pickup only when advised. In the weeks after the storm, homeowners should inspect trees for structural damage.
Consult certified arborists to reduce future risk. Insurance adjusters will likely request written and photographic evidence.
Keep careful records of all storm-related damage and any emergency repairs. If you were affected, reach out to local authorities for assistance.
Remain patient but vigilant as crews work under difficult conditions.
Here is the source article for this story: WATCH LIVE: Severe Storms in Lincoln