NWS Confirms EF0 Tornado Touched Kearney on Thursday

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF0 tornado touched down in Kearney on Thursday evening, April 23, with peak wind speeds reaching 85 mph.

The tornado carved a path just over one mile long and up to 100 yards wide, leaving concentrated damage to trees and homes, especially between 19th Street and State Route 92, east of Jefferson/State Route 33.

Public Works crews responded promptly Thursday night, clearing tree limbs and debris from streets to maintain emergency access and public safety. Kearney Fire and Rescue District and the Police Department led the initial response to the affected areas.

Recovery operations continued into Friday morning as Public Works teams revisited the hardest-hit neighborhoods, removing downed limbs from public spaces and pledging ongoing cleanup until all debris is cleared.

Mayor Randy Pogue expressed gratitude that no injuries occurred during the storms and emphasized the city's commitment to swift recovery, assuring residents that the limb and brush site will remain open as long as needed.

Fire Chief Kevin Pratt, who also serves as Emergency Management Director, commended the community’s rapid and collaborative response: "I appreciate seeing the community come together so quickly to help neighbors," said Fire Chief Kevin Pratt. "That kind of response says a lot about this community."

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.