Violent Storms Leave One Dead, One Injured, and force Hundreds of Prisoners out of Their Cells in Nebraska
A severe storm that hit the Two Rivers State Park in Nebraska on August 9, 2025, caused a tragic accident and widespread damage. A large cottonwood tree fell onto a vehicle, resulting in one death and serious injuries to another.
The accident occurred around 9:00 am local time, leaving a woman driving the car dead at the scene from fatal injuries. A male passenger was pinned inside the heavily damaged vehicle and sustained life-threatening injuries. It took emergency responders approximately 90 minutes to free the man due to the size and weight of the fallen tree. He was then transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for treatment.
The state park, located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Omaha's western border, is a popular camping spot. The storm did not cause any additional injuries or damage at the park.
The storm also caused damage in other areas. In Blair, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Omaha, a warehouse roof was torn open by high winds. High winds caused widespread damage across eastern Nebraska, including toppled trees, damaged roofs, and downed electrical lines.
The National Weather Service reported gusts of up to 80 mph (129 kph) in the affected area, with gusts of 60 mph (97 kph) in Wisconsin's Door Peninsula. The weather service predicted more strong storms across the nation's midsection from Saturday night into Sunday.
The storm did not affect the safety of the Nebraska State Penitentiary, with all staff and incarcerated individuals safe and accounted for. However, two housing units at the penitentiary in Lincoln were damaged, displacing 387 prisoners.
The Waterloo Fire Department expressed condolences to the victim’s family and noted the complexity of the rescue operation due to the size and weight of the fallen tree. The department is working closely with the Nebraska State Parks to investigate the accident further.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the importance of staying safe during storms. The community extends its condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.
[1] News Source 1 [2] News Source 2
[1] Despite the severe weather in Nebraska, a tragic car accident in Seattle on August 9, 2025, claimed a life and left another with serious injuries. [2] In Seattle's general news, a large tree fell onto a car, resulting in a fatal accident. Meanwhile, another man sustained life-threatening injuries. Housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary were also affected by the storm, displacing 387 prisoners.
