Tornadoes strike Dickens, Nebraska, causing EF-2 damage but no injuries

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A series of tornadoes struck the Dickens area on June 16, 2025, causing significant damage but no injuries or fatalities, according to a report from the National Weather Service.

The event began with a supercell thunderstorm developing over south-central Lincoln County. Initially, a landspout tornado formed along the southwestern flank of the storm’s updraft. This landspout quickly transitioned into a more powerful supercellular tornado, associated with a mesocyclone, said the National Weather Service.

The first tornado, rated as an EF-1, had estimated peak winds of 105 mph. It traveled a path length of 0.84 miles with a maximum width of 50 yards. The tornado started at 7:04 p.m. CDT and ended at 7:12 p.m. CDT. Despite the intensity, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

The second tornado, which developed from the same storm, was rated as an EF-2 with estimated peak winds of 134 mph. It tracked south for 3.02 miles over 45 minutes, starting at 7:20 p.m. CDT and ending at 8:05 p.m. CDT. The tornado caused damage to trees and power lines, indicating its EF-2 intensity.

The National Weather Service noted that traditional damage indicators were sparse, but several road signs were bent horizontally at the base, supporting the EF-1 intensity assessment for the first tornado. The second tornado’s prolonged impact on trees and power lines confirmed its EF-2 rating.