Emergency Operations Center Activated for Kearney Tornados

(Lincoln, Neb.) Preliminary reports of tornados and severe storm conditions around Kearney indicate damage. The State has activated Nebraska’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Lincoln. 

Due to a damaged power line, the portion of Interstate-80 between Aurora and York will be closed immediately.

EOC includes cooperation between several key state agencies, including:
the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nebraska State Patrol, State Fire Marshall, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Roads, Nebraska National Guard, and the Department of Environmental Quality.

The EOC is working with local and county officials in the Kearney area to access the scope of damage.  EOC officials are currently in route to Kearny to set up local EOC operations. 

Early reports include a train derailment, damage to the Buffalo County Fairgrounds, and some local businesses.