Friday April 26 -

8:55 p.m.

OPPD continues working with emergency management and first responders to assist where needed with debris and downed power lines. The safety of the public and our crews is of highest importance as crews prepare for what could be another day of storms Saturday.

There are 7,600 customers without power at this time. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Valley has predicted the possibility of severe weather again Saturday afternoon.  While the tornado potential isn't as high as it was today, storms could still cause damage and more power outages.

There were power lines that were knocked down during today's storms and we want to remind you to always assume these lines are live and extremely dangerous. Stay far back and call 911 or 1-800-554-OPPD (6773) to report this kind of threat.

7:30 p.m.

After a damaging round of storms rolled through the OPPD service territory leaving up to 10,000 customers without power, OPPD personnel are working with law enforcement and emergency first responders to  assist where needed with debris and downed power lines.

There are currently 7,600 customers without power.

A number of tornadoes touched down Friday afternoon causing severe damage in a number of areas including the Elkhorn and Bennington areas.

Our hearts go out to those displaced or impacted by these storms. We will be working as hard as we can to return power to those who lost electrical service. The safety of our customers and crews is of utmost importance to us.

 

4:55 p.m.

Severe weather continues to hammer eastern Nebraska, leaving a lot of damage in its wake. Amid reports of extreme damage to homes and businesses in western Douglas County among other locations, more than 10,050 customers are without power. Outages are impacting six counties within our service territory at the moment.

First and foremost, we want to make sure our customers stay safe. As we're hearing reports of downed power lines near 226th & Fort and 226th & Pacific, among other possible locations, we want to remind you to always assume these lines are live and extremely dangerous. Stay far back and call 911 or 1-800-554-OPPD (6773) to report this kind of threat.

Our hearts go out to those displaced or impacted by by these storms in other ways. We will be working as hard as we can to return power to those who lost electrical service as the weather in those areas is clear enough for our crews to work safely.

Below are photos taken by a couple of our employees - one of a funnel cloud from a back porch near Ashland just before sheltering in his basement. The other photo shows large, damaging hail in Blair.  We are in this with you. Please be sure and let us know if you lose power so that we can respond when it's safe to do so, online or by calling 1-800-554-OPPD (6773).

[caption id="attachment_12395" align="alignleft" width="225"] Funnel cloud spotted near Ashland.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_12396" align="alignleft" width="225"] Large hail fell in the Blair area.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4:30 p.m.

Another outage was reported about 4:15 p.m., bringing the total number of customers without power to 9,900. A total of five circuits have locked out due to the severe storm system that is moving through the area.

There are reports of extensive in some areas. Once conditions are safe, crews will begin restoration efforts and working to get customers back online as quickly and safely as possible. We urge customers to stay safe and be aware of current weather conditions as things could change quickly.

Also, if you come across a downed wire, treat it as live, stay away and call 911.



4 p.m.

As reports of multiple tornados touching down in the OPPD service territory come in, the number of outages reported throughout the area is starting to rise and is expected to continue to do so.

There are currently more than 6,500 customers without power in various parts of the service territory. Multiple circuits have locked out and there are reports of damage caused by the fast-moving storm system.

We urge customers to seek shelter if need be and stay apprised of current weather conditions. More information about outages will be posted here as it becomes available.

3:45 p.m.

A tornado is on the ground in West Omaha currently as dangerous weather is moving through the OPPD service territory.

Outages have been reported west of Omaha and in the Bennington area impacting about 2,000 customers. More outages are expected as winds pick up.

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