Tornado Hits Omaha's Eppley Airfield, Spares Passenger Terminal
Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, experienced a close call as a tornado swept through the area on April 26, 2024, causing damage primarily in the General Aviation sector but leaving the main passenger terminal unscathed. The event led to a temporary shutdown of the airport, prompting immediate safety measures.
At approximately 5:08 PM local time, as the tornado approached, airport authorities acted swiftly to move passengers to designated shelters, ensuring their safety amidst the severe weather conditions. The airport was closed for about an hour to assess the situation and the extent of the damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the airport has resumed its normal operations, although some flight delays are expected as the clean-up continues.
The General Aviation area on the east side of the airport sustained the most damage, reflecting the tornado’s path and intensity. Witnesses in aircraft and on the ground described terrifying moments as they observed the tornado's force. Toccara Steele, a passenger at the time, recounted to the Omaha World-Herald the fear and chaos: "It was scary as I don't know what. The plane was rocking back and forth. It was absolutely crazy. That is when we saw the tornado."
Despite the ordeal, flight operations have continued with no cancellations reported, though delays are ongoing. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on their flights.
Eppley Airfield, the largest airport in Nebraska, is an essential hub serving the city of Omaha and surrounding areas. Established in 1925, the airport facilitates over 200 arrivals and departures daily, connecting passengers to 31 of the country’s busiest airports.
This incident underscores the importance of robust emergency procedures at airports, particularly in areas prone to severe weather. Eppley Airfield's effective management of the situation prevented any injuries and minimized disruption to its operations, highlighting preparedness and rapid response as key to handling unexpected natural events.