NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – A tornado touched down north of Benkelman, a town in Dundy County, on Wednesday.
The storm knocked down 23 transmission poles and 13 distribution poles. There is no structural damage to homes.
Jason Frederick was out storm chasing and got a great view of the twister.
“The point that [the tornado] initially developed right over Benkelman…to when the first tornado touched was about 30 minutes,” Frederick said.
Southwest Public Power District Crew Chief Hugh Anderson said he has never seen anything like this before.
“Nothing like this. We have had a lot of tornado damage, but it has been real spotty. This is probably as bad as I have seen it,” Anderson said.
Hundreds of people lost power in the storm.
“Basically, it took the power out for everyone west of Highway 61. Approximately 1,500 meters or so,” SWPPD General Manager Colyn Suda said.
Crews were able to restore power Thursday.
