Record rainfall triggers flash floods in Omaha as severe thunderstorms hit Nebraska

Record rainfall triggered flash floods in Omaha, Nebraska, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, as severe thunderstorms moved through the state. Omaha recorded 64 mm (2.5 inches) of rain, surpassing the previous daily record of 43 mm (1.7 inches) set in 2007. Large hail and a couple of tornadoes were also reported during the storms.

On Thursday, April 24, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for Douglas County from 17:45 to 19:45 local time (LT), as heavy rainfall flooded Omaha’s drainage systems.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported rapid water accumulation, bringing hazardous conditions across the city. Local authorities urged residents to avoid flooded areas and exercise caution.

Severe flooding prompted road closures across the city, particularly affecting Saddle Creek Road, 45th and Leavenworth streets, as well as Good Shepherd Elementary at 51st and Center streets.

Videos and local reports showed widespread inundation, disrupting travel and daily activities, while emergency services conducted multiple water rescues.

Omaha recorded 64 mm (2.5 inches) of rain, surpassing the previous daily record of 43 mm (1.7 inches) set in 2007.

A Tornado Warning was issued for Omaha and surrounding areas, including Council Bluffs and Carter Lake, from 16:30 to 17:00 local time on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The NWS reported radar-indicated rotation over southeastern Omaha during this period.

Significant hail was reported across the Omaha metro area, with the largest hailstone measuring 7.6 cm (3 inches) in Ralston. Additional reports indicated hailstones ranging from 2.5 to 5.1 cm (1 to 2 inches) in diameter in various parts of Omaha and nearby communities.

An unconfirmed tornado was sighted 6 km (4 miles) northeast of Council Bluffs, crossing Interstate 80. Meanwhile, one tornado was reported 3 km (2 mile) northeast of Fairbury in Jefferson County.

The severe weather was part of a larger system that ripped through much of the central U.S., triggering flash floods and spawning more than 16 tornadoes across six states on Thursday.

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References:

¹ Heavy rain causes flash flooding across Omaha; tornado reported near Council Bluffs – WOWT News – April 25, 2025

² A night of storms brings Omaha back to normal rainfall levels – WOWT News – April 25, 2025

Feature image credit: Birdgang_13

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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