A band of severe storms blew through Kearney and the surrounding area on Friday afternoon causing damage and power outages. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is still in place for most of the area until 7 pm tonight.

*Lightning struck a tree in front of Platte-Clay Electric Coop causing it to break off near the ground*

A wall of strong storms marched down from the northwest earlier this afternoon producing torrential rain, quarter-sized hail and wind gusts over 70 mph. The block of storms moved through slowly at about 20 mph, and presented some dangerous issues in the Kearney area. It caused heavy rain, lightning and powerful wind gusts for an extended period of time.

As the storm cell moved over Kearney, it caused power outages in addition to high winds and rain.

The threat for a tornado was listed near zero and hail reappearing was low.

Kearney residents reported power outages and damage to trees and property throughout the city. Homeowners posted video to social media of downed tree limbs and damaged items like playground equipment in neighboring yards. Lightning struck a tree in front of Platte-Clay Electric Coop causing it to break off near the ground.

Platte-Clay Electric Coop reported multiple outages in our area that affected over 4,500 members. Their crews are working to restore power this evening.

Meteorologist Pete Chaston says that the storm cell has moved through the metro area and continues southeast: “The worst of it appears to be over for this evening; however more showers and thunderstorms are possible, mainly before 11 pm. Some of the storms could be severe.”

Overnight tonight skies will gradually become partly cloudy, with a low around 69 degrees.

KPGZ Weather - Meteorologist Pete Chastain and Brian Watts contributed to this report