2024 has been a year to remember for those of us in the Omaha area, but not necessarily for the best reasons.
From devastating tornadoes to relentless storms, the weather has kept us on our toes, and often, indoors.
Here’s a look back at some of the most extreme weather events we’ve experienced so far this year.
In This Post
- January 12, 2024 – Major Snowstorm Blankets Omaha
- Friday, April 26, 2024 – The Day of Tornadoes
- Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – Torrential Rain Drenches Omaha
- Thursday, May 30, 2024 – Yet Another Deluge
- Wednesday, June 12, 2024 – Mothership Supercell and Hailstorm
- Tuesday, June 25, 2024 – Hail and Heavy Rain Shut Down Eppley
- Sunday, June 30, 2024 – Missouri River Crest
- Monday, July 1, 2024 – More Rain, More Flooding
- Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – 80 to 90+ MPH Winds Devastate Omaha
- Conclusion
January 12, 2024 – Major Snowstorm Blankets Omaha
The year 2024 didn’t wait long to remind us that winter in Omaha can be just as intense as the severe weather that often comes in spring and summer.
On January 12th, a significant snowstorm swept across the region, bringing heavy snowfall totals to the Omaha metro area. Eppley Airfield recorded an impressive 11.2 inches of snow over the week, with most of it falling during this storm.
Some areas in the metro even saw totals over a foot. This storm didn’t just stop at Omaha— it stretched its icy fingers across southeastern Nebraska, southwestern Iowa, and northwestern Missouri, leaving behind a winter wonderland (and a few headaches for those needing to dig out their cars).
While snow isn’t uncommon in January, the intensity and accumulation of this storm were noteworthy, setting the stage for a year of extreme weather across the region.
Friday, April 26, 2024 – The Day of Tornadoes
April 26th was a day etched in the memories of many in the Omaha and Lincoln metros. It started like any other Friday, but by afternoon, the skies had turned ominous.
A powerful EF3 tornado struck the northeast side of Lincoln around 3 PM doing damage to several businesses and homes in the area. Then another tornado struck Elkhorn, carving a path of destruction that left homes flattened and lives upended. With winds exceeding 170 mph, the Elkhorn tornado was one of the strongest to hit the area in recent history.
Meanwhile, Eppley Airfield had its own scare, with an EF3 tornado causing damage, adding to the already chaotic day.
Additional tornadoes touched down across the region, making this one of the most intense days for severe weather in recent years.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – Torrential Rain Drenches Omaha
Just a few weeks after the tornadoes, Omaha was hit by another weather event—this time, it was rain. On May 15th, the skies opened up, and several inches of rain fell across the city in just a few hours.
Streets turned into rivers, and the city’s drainage systems struggled to keep up. Flash flooding became a major concern, with many roads impassable and basements flooded. It was a stark reminder of how quickly weather can shift from one extreme to another.
Thursday, May 30, 2024 – Yet Another Deluge
May didn’t go quietly. On May 30th, Omaha was once again pummeled by heavy rain. Several inches fell over the course of the day, leading to more flooding in already saturated areas.
For those keeping track, this marked the second significant rain event in just two weeks, each compounding the challenges of the last.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 – Mothership Supercell and Hailstorm
June 12th brought one of the most visually stunning—and sadly destructive storms of the year. A massive “mothership” supercell formed over Omaha, producing large hail that hammered cars, roofs, and anything left unprotected.
Blair, just north of Omaha, was particularly hard-hit by hailstones the size of baseballs as was parts of northern Omaha. The storm’s eerie green sky and the sheer size of the supercell were unforgettable, leaving many of us awestruck—and grateful for our garages.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 – Hail and Heavy Rain Shut Down Eppley
As if the hail on June 12th wasn’t enough, June 25th delivered more of the same. This time, Eppley Airfield bore the brunt of the storm.
Heavy rain and hail damaged planes and airport infrastructure, leading to a temporary shutdown as they inspected the damage.
Sunday, June 30, 2024 – Missouri River Crest
The relentless rain through June culminated in the Missouri River reaching a crest of around 33 feet in Omaha on June 30th.
Flooding along the river became a significant concern, with several parks, trails, and roads submerged. It was a sobering reminder of the power of nature, as the river, swollen from weeks of rain, threatened to spill into more populated areas.
Monday, July 1, 2024 – More Rain, More Flooding
Just as the river was cresting, more rain fell on July 1st, pushing the limits of Omaha’s flood control systems. The storm brought additional inches of rain, leading to flash flooding across the city. For those keeping score, this was yet another major rain event in what was turning into a summer to forget.
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – 80 to 90+ MPH Winds Devastate Omaha
July ended with a bang—literally. On July 31st, a line of severe storms swept through Omaha, packing winds in excess of 90 mph in some areas. The damage was widespread, with downed trees, power lines, and significant property damage across the city.
Over 200 thousand lost power, and cleanup efforts lasted for weeks as the city worked to recover from yet another extreme weather event that ended up being the largest power outage in Nebraska history.
Conclusion
As we move through the rest of 2024, one thing is clear—this has been a year of extreme weather in Omaha.
From tornadoes to torrential rain, and from massive hail to hurricane-force winds, the elements have tested our resilience time and time again.
While we can’t predict what the rest of the year will bring, we can hope for calmer days ahead and prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
