Train derailed near Ashby as 10 tornadoes strike Nebraska
A powerful wedge tornado derailed a BNSF freight train near Ashby, Nebraska, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during a severe weather outbreak that produced more than 10 tornadoes across the state.
Derailed BNSF train in Ashby, Nebraska on April 27, 2025. Image credit: Nebraska State Patrol
More than 10 tornadoes were reported across Nebraska on Sunday, April 27, with reports coming in from the Cherry, Grant and Garden Counties. The severe weather event also produced large hail and damaging winds, resulting in widespread damage to infrastructure and property.
A powerful tornado measuring over 1.6 km (1 mile) wide derailed approximately 130 railcars near mile marker 132 along Highway 2, west of Ashby, at around 18:27 CDT on Sunday.
Officials from BNSF Railway, the largest freight railroad in the United States, were on the scene along with the Nebraska State Patrol. Power lines, which briefly went down in the area, have been restored, Nebraska State Patrol spokesperson Cody Thomas said. Highway 2 also remained open for drivers.
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— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) April 28, 2025
A powerful tornado struck west of Ashby, NE, derailing an empty BNSF coal train with 130 cars, at 6:15 PM. No injuries reported, but the storm caused significant damage. Authorities urge caution due to potential downed power lines. #Nebraska
Jorge Valdez https://t.co/hRSPYaPtGa pic.twitter.com/4F09CdG3FE
A large wedge tornado was sighted between Bingham and Hyannis. Reports indicate that the twister was first seen about 55 km (34 miles) northwest of Arthur, moving east at 32 km/h (20 mph). Multiple videos of the tornado were posted on social media.
Train flipped over from tornado west of Hyannis, NE moments ago pic.twitter.com/NtHDmY857o
— Aaron Jayjack (@aaronjayjack) April 28, 2025
Teacup-sized hail was reported near Whitman, and a tornado was observed about 32 km (20 miles) north of Whitman shortly before 21:00 local time (LT). Quarter-sized hail was reported at Box Butte Dam, while radar confirmed another tornado southwest of Merritt Reservoir late Sunday night. Chadron recorded a wind gust of 92 km/h (57 mph).
Storm chasers reported another tornado 4.8 km (3 miles) west-southwest of Merritt Reservoir in Cherry County at 21:51 LT.
In addition, large hail of over 7.6 cm (3 inches) in diameter was reported as the storms passed through.
Tornado near Ashby, Nebraska this afternoon as it developed and expanded to possibly near 2 miles wide and wrapped in rain to the NW of Ashby. Also slinging 3"+ hail. @NWSNorthPlatte @KNEBStormCenter @dayweather #NEwx pic.twitter.com/HuPC95jHQA
— Dan Fitts (@Dan_Fitts) April 28, 2025
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Warning for parts of Cherry and Grant Counties, while a Tornado Watch was in effect for parts of Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
The threat of severe weather is expected to persist across the Midwest through Monday, with thunderstorms and tornadoes forecasted over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa:
References:
1 Severe storms bring tornadoes, train derailment to Nebraska panhandle – News Channel Nebraska – April 27, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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