OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say at least five people died when a powerful storm system swept across the Great Plains and Midwest, spawning hurricane-force winds and likely tornadoes in Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota.
Officials in Kansas say a 65-year-old man was killed Wednesday night when a 40-foot tree fell on him outside his home in southeastern Minnesota.
The Iowa State Patrol says a semitrailer was struck by high winds and rolled onto its side in eastern Iowa, killing the driver.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says three people died in traffic accidents due to blowing dust.
More than 20 unconfirmed tornadoes were reported Wednesday, mostly in eastern Nebraska and Iowa.
Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power Thursday.
Original Story
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say one person has died as a powerful storm system swept across the Great Plains and Midwest, closing highways and spawning reported tornadoes in Nebraska and Iowa.
The Iowa State Patrol says a semitrailer was stuck by high winds and rolled onto its side on southbound on U.S. Highway 151 in eastern Iowa on Wednesday evening, killing the driver.
The National Weather Service says the storm was shifting north of the Great Lakes on Thursday, with high winds, snow, and hazardous conditions continuing in the upper Great Lakes region.
There were at least 13 tornado reports Wednesday in the Plains states, scattered through eastern Nebraska and Iowa.
Winds topped 70 mph through much of Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.
