Wilber, NE F-4 Tornado Tragedy
This was a day of tears, heartache, courage, and hope. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the deadly tornadoes in SE Nebraska on May 22nd. Luckily the watches and warnings this day saved many lives. The people in this community have amazing spirit and strength. Take care.
Photographs by Melanie Metz and Peggy Willenberg (thanks to Brian Morganti for use of his tornado image)
The F-4 tornado later estimated to be 2.5 miles wide caught on video by Brian Morganti from Tempest Tours
Video still image of tornado barely visible from our video as we approached it from the West as darkness fell around us
We called in reports of damage
Wilber, NE
Just ENE of Wilber we approached the edge of the large tornado
This view was looking North from the South as we looked for road to head North
We had to turn around due to debris in the road and head back West to find the dirt road North. As we looked NW from our location we saw a second smaller tornado outside of the main circulation (notice the very edge of larger tornado on the right side of the photograph and the smaller tornado just left of the power pole)
The smaller tornado was illuminated well by lightning flashes
As we drove West briefly to find the North route we almost collided with a heard of dark black cows wandering confused in the darkness of the wild night.
We headed North on a dirt road and encountered downed power lines
Large power lines were blocking the road where I noticed a man in shock stumbling out of the dark seeking help. We stopped and I called 911 and provided a blanket and water while Peggy went into the basement of a demolished 2 story house that had collapsed. She helped 2 young women and 1 young man find their way out from under the debris.
An off-duty fireman arrived and helped Peggy guide the residents to safety.
The mother and friends arrived to take them to shelter and get medical care. No one was seriously injured.
By the light of day the damage was surreal. We spoke with the family and discovered that everyone was ok...as ok as can be after a tragedy such as this.
Their new van wasn't so new anymore.
One of their trucks was found ~1/2 mile out in the field.
Another vehicle thrown from the house.
A neighboring house was completely wiped from the foundation and no belongings were found nearby. Their wedding photo was found somewhere in Iowa. Luckily the newleyweds were not home when the tornado hit.
Loose horses graze after surviving the night.
August 16th the family is rebuilding on the same lot. They are including a re-inforced shelter room in the basement.
At least one of their cars magically survived! And luckily the family all survived. They have a long road of recovery ahead but have a great deal of support from the community.