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Mexico travel advisory: US warns not to visit these states over increased kidnapping, crime

File photo of the beach in Playas de Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico on February 14, 2021. (Photo by GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES - A travel warning has been reissued by the U.S. Department of State for multiple states in Mexico due to the high risk of crime and kidnapping. 

This comes after a shelter-in-place alert was issued for U.S. government employees in Tijuana a fter a sudden outbreak of violent crime. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: US government workers told to shelter in place amid surge in Tijuana violence, cartel threatens 'mass chaos'

Approximately 350 National Guard troops were flown in to support the thousands of federal troops already in the state of Baja California, Reforma reported. There were no reported injuries in the Tijuana hijackings that tangled up traffic throughout the city and temporarily blocked access to the busiest U.S. border crossing.

Armed members of the National Guard drive past the site of a burnt collective transport vehicle after it was set on fire by unidentified individuals in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on August 12, 2022. - Several vehicles were set on fire on

Hijackings in four other Baja cities led to the arrests of at least 17 people , according to Milenio TV.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: The Jalisco New Generation Cartel threatened violence against anyone seen on the streets over the weekend in Northern Baja California

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel threatened violence against anyone seen on the streets over the weekend in Northern Baja California. 

Here is a list of Mexican states where travel is not advised at this time:

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala stat e due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Firefighters work at the scene of a burnt collective transport vehicle after it was set on fire by unidentified individuals in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on August 12, 2022. - Several vehicles were set on fire on August 12 in the city. (

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

If you must travel to Mexico, officials strongly recommend the following: 

• Review the  U.S. Embassy's webpage  on COVID-19.
• Visit the CDC’s web page on  Travel and COVID-19 .
• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

FOX News contributed to this report.

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel warnings issued for 2 popular Caribbean destinations

Vacation travel warnings issued for americans.

The State Departments has issued a traveler alert for two Caribbean countries that are popular stops for Florida cruise ships. Kellie Cowan reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - As the spring break travel season draws near, the State Department has issued travel warnings for both the Bahamas and Jamaica. 

The warnings come as a result of increased levels of crime in the island nations. 

A spike in the murder rate since the start of the year prompted a Level-2 warning for travel to the Bahamas. 

While the homicides are believed to be gang-related, the State Department is warning travelers to be on alert, especially in popular destinations like Nassau and Freeport because of concerning levels of violent crime in both tourist and non-tourist areas. 

READ : US issues travel warning for Bahamas over spike in murders: 'Keep a low profile'

"Certainly drugs, I think intertwined with this, there are certainly gang-related activities, but there's also individual criminality occurring where there have been some sexual assaults or physical assaults, where people are looking to take money, taking valuables," explained former FBI investigator William Daly. 

File: Caribbean

The State Department also cautions travelers planning to stay in hotels or short-term rental properties without private security to be vigilant. Do not answer the door if you do not know who is on the other side. 

The level-2 warning also specifically cautions against certain water activities in the Bahamas. 

"Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft  may be poorly  maintained, and  some operators may not  have safety certifications," cautions the State Department. 

US issues travel advisory for Caribbean hotspot amid violence, sex assault concerns

Juanillo beach in Dominican Republic. (Photo by: Cristina Perez/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The State Department on Tuesday issued a travel advisory for Americans looking to visit the Dominican Republic, a top Caribbean destination, amid an increase in violent crime and sexual assaults. 

A yellow flag-level two advisory was issued urging travelers heading to the Caribbean hotspot to "exercise increased caution."

"Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic," the department said in its advisory. "The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality on the broader scale."

SHARK BITES LEG OFF AMERICAN TOURIST IN TURKS AND CAICOS: REPORT

The State Department noted that Americans looking to travel to resorts are likely safer as these areas "tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo."

The implementation of a 911 emergency call system in many parts of the country and a tourist police force have also made top destinations safer for Americans traveling to the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola.

The Dominican Republic shares Hispaniola with Haiti, which has seen some of the most dangerous and severe living conditions in the Western hemisphere in recent years. 

Gang violence in Haiti has ramped up drastically as poverty and corruption have run unchecked following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. 

‘LAWLESS’ HAITI PLAGUED BY CORRUPTION AND DEADLY GANG VIOLENCE FUELS HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

But while the State Department has issued a stark Level 4 red-flag "Do not travel" advisory for Haiti, the Dominican Republic shares the same threat level alert as other top tourist destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and the Bahamas. 

Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism for comment, though the State Department issued its own suggestions for safe travel on the eastern part of Hispaniola. 

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If Americans do decide to hit the top Caribbean destination in the coming months, department officials have advised them to be aware of their surroundings and to not display signs of wealth by wearing expensive jewelry or watches. 

The department also warned against physically resisting any robbery attempts and to follow local safety guidelines.  

Read more of this story from FOX News . 

US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

US issues Mexico 'increased caution' warning for spring break travelers

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico has issued a spring break travel warning for Americans planning to visit the country. The message posted on Monday highlighted a range of potential safety threats in the popular destination like crime.

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the advisory said, though it noted that crime can occur anywhere in Mexico. The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for the country notes various warning levels for different states, ranging from Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions") through 4 (“do not travel”).

The message also warned of other potential hazards like unregulated alcohol and pharmaceuticals. “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted,” the advisory said. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates noted that counterfeit medication is “common” and could be ineffective or an incorrect strength. Those products may also have dangerous ingredients. “Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments,” the message said.

Why some travelers are skipping the US: 'You guys are not afraid of this?'

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The advisory warned of drowning and high private hospital prices, as well, among other risks. The message urged travelers to take precautions like keeping an eye on their drinks; staying with a group of friends in bars and clubs, while walking in dark areas or in taxis at night; and letting family and friends know about their travel plans.

Despite the warning, however, it noted that “the vast majority” of U.S. citizens visiting Mexico at spring break each year do so safely.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

The warning is asking travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed."

marako85/Getty Images

The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.

The warning , which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed” as “thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break” each year. The embassy continued that “while the vast majority travel safely,” visitors should be aware of issues with crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, drownings, and more. 

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”

The warning also reminded American travelers that drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana. It also advised that unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, that counterfeit medication is common, and that guns are illegal in Mexico.

When it comes to the country’s popular beaches, the embassy reminded travelers some beaches may have strong rip tides and “may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.”

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a similar spring break warning last year .

The U.S. Department of State classifies different states in Mexico under different warning levels. While travelers can “exercise normal precautions” when traveling to the Campeche and Yucatan states, the State Department warns them to “exercise increased caution” when heading to places like Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is), Mexico City, and Quintana Roo (where Cancun is) due to crime.

The State Department also asks American travelers to “reconsider” going to the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular destination Puerto Vallarta , due to the danger of crime and kidnapping.

The State Department recommends Americans who do travel to Mexico keep people at home informed of their travel plans and enroll in the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to both receive alerts and make it easier to locate them if an emergency occurs.

Travelers heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department's website at  travel.state.gov .

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NAACP issues travel advisory for Black Americans traveling to DeSantis' Florida: 'Openly hostile'

Gov. desantis previously brushed off such a travel advisory as a 'stunt'.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says 'the chance of us backing down' from the state of Florida's dispute with Disney 'is zero'

DeSantis, who's expected to launch a presidential campaign next week, spoke during a stop on May 19, 2023 at the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The NAACP issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida, arguing the state , under Gov. Ron DeSantis' leadership, "has engaged in an all-out attack on Black Americans" and other minority groups. 

"Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals," the formal advisory states on the NAACP's website. "Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color."

A press release noted that the advisory was "in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools."

The group cited various bills DeSantis recently signed into law as the motivation behind the advisory, including Florida's constitutional carry law, restrictions on abortion access, and a ban on funding for DEI programs at Florida public universities. 

DESANTIS SMIRKS AT REPORTER QUESTION ABOUT NAACP ADVISING BLACK AMERICANS NOT TO GO TO FLORIDA: 'WHAT A JOKE'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talks to the media at a conference titled "Celebrate the Faces of Israel" at Jerusalem's Museum of Tolerance, April 27, 2023. (Maya Alleruzzo / AP Newsroom)

Florida's chapter of the NAACP first floated a travel advisory for the state in March over "anti-black legislation" in the state. The advisory was then approved by the NAACP board of directors. 

DESANTIS BANS STATE FUNDING FOR DIVERSITY, INCLUSION PROGRAMS AT FLORIDA PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

"Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority," chair of the NAACP Board of Directors Leon Russell said in the press release.

The logo of the NAACP displayed during a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, June 15, 2015, in Washington, D.C. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via / Getty Images)

"We will not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding. The NAACP proudly fights against the malicious attacks in Florida, against Black Americans," Russell continued. "I encourage my fellow Floridians to join in this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy." 

DESANTIS STANDS HIS GROUND IN DISNEY FIGHT: 'THE CHANCE OF US BACKING DOWN... IS ZERO'

The beach along Palm Coast, Florida (  / iStock)

DeSantis brushed off the proposed travel advisory in March as a "joke." 

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"This is a stunt to try to do that," DeSantis said at a press conference at the time. "It’s a pure stunt. And fine, if you want to waste your time on a stunt, that’s fine. But I’m not wasting my time on your stunts. I’m going to make sure that we’re getting things done here."

DeSantis' office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the formal advisory. 

Sky Harbor Airport kiosk issue caused problems for some passengers

PHOENIX - Officials with Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport say an issue impacting kiosks at the airport has been resolved.

We first learned of the issue from postings on social media. When reached for comment, airport officials say an internet issue is having an impact on passengers who are checking in on site.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

"The kiosks impacted are now back up," an airport spokesperson said. "This has resulted in some longer than usual lines. Flights are departing as scheduled."

NYC snow storm: Flight status, travel advisories for today

Snow storm begins in nyc.

FOX 5 NY's Mike Woods shows us where the storm is headed as NYC braces for heavy snow.

NEW YORK - A major snow storm is pummeling the NYC area , making for a messy morning commute and leading to widespread flight cancelations.

As of 9:30 a.m., 43% of flights in and out of LaGuardia Airport were canceled, according to Flight Aware . At Newark, 26% of flights were canceled, and at JFK, 18% of flights were canceled.

JUMP TO: ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING l FLIGHT STATUS l MTA SCHEDULE | SCHOOL CLOSINGS

New York City has issued a travel advisory through Tuesday, and officials are urging New Yorkers to stay off the roads.

"If you do not have to be on the roads tomorrow, please stay home, and, if you’re a property owner, remember to clear your sidewalks," NYC Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.

MORE: How much snow has to fall for the subway to shut down?

Here's everything you need to know about traveling during the snow storm Tuesday.

Flight Status

Check the status of each airport below:

LaGuardia Airport status 

• Flights canceled: 226 (43%)
• Flights delayed: 39 (7%)
• For more information from the FAA, click HERE .

Newark Airport status

• Flights canceled: 142 (26%)
• Flights delayed: 36 (6%)

JFK Airport status

• Flights canceled: 104 (18%)
• Flights delayed: 57 (9%)

Will NYC alternate side parking be in effect?

New York City alternate side parking will be suspended Tuesday due to "winter storm operations," according to the NYC Mayor's Office .

Meanwhile, parking meters will remain in effect.

For updates, click HERE .

MTA snow storm prep, delays

Mta update on winter storm preparations.

MTA officials provided an update on winter storm preparations for Tuesday.

The MTA announced normal service on bus, subways and the Long Island Railroad for Tuesday, but a slightly modified schedule for Metro-North.

Track road closures

Ny roads closed.

• Click HERE to track road closures in real time on 511NY.

NJ roads closed

• Click HERE to track road closures in real time on 511NJ.

CT roads closed

• Click HERE to track road closures in real time on CTroads .

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News & features, winter center, news / live updates, live: catastrophic destruction in wake of massive tornadoes in nebraska, iowa.

Tornadoes and damaging thunderstorms blasting across the central United States, and will continue to threaten lives and property in more than a dozen states through the weekend.

Updated Apr. 26, 2024 9:40 PM PDT

How to prepare for power outages

By AccuWeather staff

Apr. 27, 2024 12:39 AM PDT

Power outages can occur as a result of severe weather, making preparing for them a vital part of severe weather preparations. It could take  hours, days or even weeks for power to be restored  after a severe weather event. A general rule of thumb is  a family should have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours after a power outage , including non-perishable food and bottled water.  Make sure to keep extra batteries for flashlights and emergency radios.  Remember to  prepare for any temperature by buying blankets, sweatshirts and battery-powered fans.  Having  rechargeable and portable batteries can also help you to survive long-term power outages  so phones can remain charged for emergency contact between loved ones and urgent services.

This map may save lives during a tornado threat

Apr. 26, 2024 11:11 PM PDT

There is no place that offers guaranteed safety from a tornado, but  where do you go when more secure places aren’t available ? One meteorologist has created what could be a life-saving map to quickly answer this question. Meteorologist Craig “Ceecee” Croskery has taken it upon himself to create  a  state-by-state database  of tornado shelters.

He has spent the last two years identifying, verifying and logging buildings that he described as “almost impossible” for the average citizen to easily find, despite the fact that they are meant to be places of refuge in life-threatening severe weather events.  Here is a  direct  link to the map.

The dots he uses to identify each location are color-coded.  The colors help identify if a shelter isn’t wheelchair accessible, the building type, its capacity and other details .

Planes tossed and destroyed at Eppley Airfield, Nebraska

By Jesse Ferrell, social media producer and meteorologist

Apr. 26, 2024 8:40 PM PDT

Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, released a statement Friday evening saying that a tornado had touched down and the airport was closed for an hour while passengers were in storm shelters. There were no reports of injuries, but several buildings and many planes were destroyed, according to photos and videos posted on X.

More on the destruction at the Eppley Airfield (OMA), Omaha, Nebraska after a massive tornado hit the premises and the area. Eppley Airport says, Passenger terminal was unaffected while a number of buildings and properties of General Aviation terminal sustained damage. Video… pic.twitter.com/69eO2mChFU — FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 27, 2024

Over 75 tornado reports Friday, mostly in Nebraska and Iowa

Apr. 26, 2024 8:33 PM PDT

Over 75 tornado reports have come in today from spotters as of 7:30 PM CDT, mostly in Nebraska and Iowa.

Many reports were likely the same tornado or supercell thunderstorm, as there have been several long-tracking storms.

Over 85 tornado warnings were issued, including some lasting more than 3 hours in which Tornado Emergency Warnings were in effect.

Catastrophic destruction: Emergency crews in Elkhorn, Nebraska checking damaged houses

By Monica Danielle, AccuWeather Managing Editor

Apr. 26, 2024 7:08 PM PDT

Photos and videos of catastrophic damage are emerging on social media, showing utter destruction in Elkhorn, Nebraska , a suburb of Ohama, in the wake of a massive tornado that tore through.

Video shows the scary moments as a massive tornado spins toward the town of Elkhorn, Nebraska, on April 26.

The Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter for Elkhorn-area residents, according to the Omaha Police Department. Douglas County authorities report a reunification center is being established at Elkhorn Middle School for parents whose students were held during earlier tornado warnings, according to 6 News WOWT.

During a media briefing at 6:30 p.m. CDT, Omaha police and fire officials say they have extra officers going door-to-door helping people from houses that were "flattened" by the tornado , but no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported. Police say they think media reports regarding warnings helped reduce injuries.

Firefighters work to clear a home damaged by a tornado northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said damage is also reported in other Nebraska towns, including Arbor Village, Arbor View, and Waterloo. "Right now, we are beginning detailed searches of those neighborhoods; we're going to be looking at each property."

The drone-assisted search will take place overnight and possibly into tomorrow.

A destroyed home is seen northwest of Omaha, Neb., after a storm tore through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

A destroyed house is seen northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, after storms swept through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

Debris is seen from a destroyed home northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, after a storm tore through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

"Challenges include power outages; we have power lines down, we have gas leaks, we have unstable structures, we have trees that are down," Chief Bossman said.

The Omaha Police Department tweeted it has established a command center and additional officers are being brought in to assist with 911 calls citywide. Officers are asking everyone to avoid the Elkhorn area “as emergency personnel are assisting those in the path of the tornado.”

As of 7:30 p.m. CDT, poweroutage.us is reporting 7,000 customers are without power in Nebraska.

Another perspective: Tornado rips across Nebraska freeway

Apr. 26, 2024 5:47 PM PDT

Drivers on Interstate 80 got an incredibly scary view of a powerful tornado  on the afternoon of April 26. Officials urged residents in eastern Nebraska to seek shelter “immediately” as massive tornadoes moved through the Lincoln and Omaha metro areas 

Drivers on Interstate 80 got an incredibly scary view of a powerful tornado on the afternoon of April 26.

You can track the severe weather on  AccuWeather’s weather radar . AccuWeather meteorologist Brian Lada has been monitoring the radar throughout the afternoon and said a tornado northwest of Omaha was a “menace on radar” with  a debris ball that appeared to be over a mile wide .

Radar showing a supercell thunderstorm with tornado debris ball moving northwest of Omaha, Nebraska on April 26, 2024.

A debris ball, technically known as a  tornadic debris signature  ( TDS ), is an area of high reflectivity on weather radar caused by a tornado lofting debris into the air.

Storm chaser captures jaw-dropping footage of wedge tornado crossing I-80 in Nebraska

Apr. 26, 2024 4:57 PM PDT

Storm chaser Aaron Jayjack captured this video near Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 26 as a violent tornado tore across a highway, leaving at least one tractor trailer on its side.

Storm chaser Aaron Jayjack was uniquely positioned to record this stunning footage of a massive wedge tornado crossing Interstate 80 in Nebraska Friday afternoon.  “VIOLENT tornado just crossed the Interstate 80 Lincoln, NE,”  he tweeted .

You can see the powerful twister flinging debris across the interstate as motorists attempt to navigate the treacherous roadway. At one point during the video, Jayjack shouts, “Oh, somebody got hit!” 

At least one tractor-trailer was tossed on its side by the intense wind. No word yet on injuries. The Nebraska Department of Transportation caught a different view of the massive twister.

A tornado near Interstate 80 in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 26, 2024. (Nebraska Department of Transportation)

Wedge tornadoes are the most destructive  and catastrophic tornadoes and can grow to be over a mile in diameter.

Storm chaser captures tall rope tornado tearing across Nebraska field

“Wow!!! What a tornado  just north of Ravenna, Nebraska, this Friday at 12:32 p.m. CDT,” storm chaser Brandon Montgomery  tweeted  after recording this footage. “Incredible experience!”

Storm chaser Brandon Montgomery followed a tall rope tornado as it tore across a field in Ravenna, Nebraska, on April 26.

Ravenna is about 175 miles west of  Omaha , which is  one of the major metro areas that are very close to or within the high-risk area  into Friday night  along with  Kansas City , Missouri; and  Des Moines , Iowa.

Rope tornadoes, named after their long, thin appearance, are the  smallest type of tornado and can be short-lived, lasting just a few minutes but can be just the start of the evolution of a twister. Don’t be fooled by their size!  Even a thin rope tornado can cause damage, although the path of destruction tends to be narrow  compared to other kinds of whirlwinds.

Storm chaser intercepts large tornado in Nebraska

By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist

Apr. 26, 2024 2:39 PM PDT

One of the first tornadoes of the day touched down in central Nebraska , and AccuWeather Storm Chaser and Meteorologist Tony Laubach was on the scene.  Laubach came within a few hundred yards of a large tornado near Elba, Nebraska , as it crossed the road in front of him. Watch the heart-pounding video below:

Meteorologist Tony Laubach got up close with a tornado as it crossed a highway in Elba, Nebraska, on April 26.

New tornado watch issued where strongest storms are expected

Apr. 26, 2024 2:06 PM PDT

There is a  high risk of tornadoes, powerful winds and large hail  in part of the central United States today, according to AccuWeather meteorologists, and intense storms are in short order.  A new tornado watch has been issued for eastern Nebraska and western Iowa  in the area where the strongest storms of the day are expected.  A tornado has already been reported  from a storm about 150 miles west of Omaha, Nebraska, according to storm chasers in the area.

A tornado watch is also in effect for northeastern Texas  and part of southeastern Oklahoma where locally severe storms have been rumbling since late Friday morning.  People who are under a tornado watch should remain vigilant and seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

'Tornado on the ground': Multiple supercells move over Kansas

Apr. 26, 2024 12:01 PM PDT

Stormchaser Ben McHone captured this  ominous footage of multiple supercells moving across northwest Kansas producing heavy rain, hail and the formation of a ‘needle tornado’  on Thursday afternoon.

Multiple supercells moved across northwest Kansas producing heavy rain, hail and formation of a needle tornado on April 25.

A needle tornado is another name for a  rope tornado  which is the smallest type of tornado and named for its long, thin appearance.

On the thunderstorm spectrum,  supercells are the least common type of thunderstorm.  What makes a supercell unique from all other thunderstorm types is that  it contains a deep and persistent rotating updraft called a mesocyclone.

Supercells have a high propensity to produce severe weather , including damaging winds, very large hail, and even violet tornadoes.

Violent storms likely into Friday night

Apr. 26, 2024 11:16 AM PDT

“ There could be more than a dozen tornadoes spawned from Friday afternoon to Friday night alone ,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. “Into Friday night, the areas most likely to be strewn with intense, discrete thunderstorms -- the type that often produces strong tornadoes -- extends from northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri to southeastern Nebraska and southern and central Iowa.”

Major metro areas that are very close to or within the high-risk area into Friday night include  Kansas City , Missouri;  Omaha , Nebraska; and  Des Moines , Iowa.  The AccuWeather Local StormMax™  straight-line wind gust  is 80 mph into Friday night  and is stronger than that of the minimum threshold for a hurricane (74 mph).

People in the severe weather threat zones each day and night are encouraged to  pay attention to the weather, take alerts and warnings seriously and have a plan of action  in place in case violent conditions become imminent. A method to receive audible alerts when sleeping is strongly advised

Thursday’s storms seen from space

Apr. 26, 2024 9:19 AM PDT

High resolution imagery of severe storms erupting tonight across the Central Plains. pic.twitter.com/S6GqdUuKba — CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) April 26, 2024

As severe weather erupted over the Plains on Thursday afternoon, NOAA’s GOES-EAST weather satellite was keeping a close eye on the evolving situation. The satellite was focused on  eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and southern Nebraska, where the strongest storms of the day rumbled to life . There were around  70 reports of large hail from storms in this area, including chunks of ice as large as tennis balls.

Storm chaser nearing 500,000 miles in pursuit of storms, twisters

Apr. 26, 2024 7:39 AM PDT

The miles can add up fast for folks who drive across the country to capture footage of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, and one storm chaser is closing in on a monumental benchmark. “ I am making my way to half a million storm-chasing miles, ” AccuWeather Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Tony Laubach said.  So far this year, Laubach has logged 5,448 miles , and he will add to that in the coming days as he hunts down dangerous storms across the central United States. Laubach said that  hitting the 500,000-mile mark has been a long-standing goal for his storm-chasing career  and he might finally reach the benchmark later this year.

Blue shelf cloud moves over Arkansas

Apr. 25, 2024 9:23 PM PDT

Heavy rain and hail hit Little Rock, Arkansas, as this shelf cloud passed through the area.

An incredible timelapse of a shelf cloud with blue hues was recorded in Little Rock, Arkansas Thursday afternoon. Flooding was also reported from the storms.

Shelf clouds often form at the leading edge of strong winds  flowing down and outward from a storm.  It is not uncommon for thunderstorms to contain blue or green tinted clouds , but there is no direct correlation to the severity of the storm.

Storm chaser wraps up a day of tracking severe weather, gets ready for tomorrow

AccuWeather meteorologist and storm chaser Tony Laubach is  wrapping up a day of tracking severe weather across Kansas  and is headed east to get set up for tomorrow. AccuWeather Prime’s Melissa Constanzer caught up with Laubach as he traveled through Quinter, Kansas.

“It has been more of a hail day today,”  Laubach said. “Most of the hail we saw was anywhere between nickel and quarter-sized. We had  hail reports in Kansas as big as two-and-a-half inches , that would be tennis ball-sized hail. ”

In the video below, Laubach explains why there was more hail than tornadoes:

Severe thunderstorms produced prolific hail across parts of the Plains on April 25, but cold air undercut the threat for tornadoes.

Tennis-ball-sized hail pelts the Plains

Apr. 25, 2024 8:50 PM PDT

Storm spotters reported  hail as large as 2.5 inches in diameter (about the size of a tennis ball)  near Russell Springs, Kansas, earlier Thursday evening, with 2-inch-diameter hail near Syracuse and Colby, Kansas.  Wind gusts also spiked to 70 mph  at a weather station near Sharon Springs, Kansas.

Hail as large as 4.5 inches in diameter  fell in the Carolinas last weekend.  A hailstone that fell in Vivian, South Dakota, on July 23, 2010 ,  holds the United States' record for largest hail size with  a diameter of 8 inches  and heaviest weight at 1.94 pounds.

Severe weather to escalate on Friday

Apr. 25, 2024 7:59 PM PDT

Thursday is just the start of an extended severe weather event across the central United States . AccuWeather meteorologists say there is a high threat of severe thunderstorms on Friday and Friday night, the second-highest level on AccuWeather’s severe weather index.

Approximately 38 million people could face thunderstorms, the strongest of which may spin up tornadoes and unleash large hail and damaging winds.

Additional rounds of severe weather are in the forecast through the weekend , with some areas at risk of being hit multiple times.

Landspout touches down in Colorado

Apr. 25, 2024 6:34 PM PDT

A landspout tornado touches down in Akron, Colorado as another funnel cloud spins above it.

A landspout tornado touched down today near Akron, Colorado,  while another funnel cloud spun nearby. The landspout was on the ground for only five minutes.  Landspouts start as a column of spinning air near the ground  and aren't always connected to a severe thunderstorm, whereas tornadoes are spawned in a rotating thunderstorm and move down to the ground.

Tornado watches issued as storms erupt

Apr. 25, 2024 6:18 PM PDT

Severe thunderstorms are rumbling over the Plains with  two tornado watches in effect  from eastern Colorado and southern Nebraska to the Texas Panhandle.  One thunderstorm in northwestern Kansas has already produced a tornado , according to a storm chaser in the area. Thunderstorms may become more widespread into Thursday night over the region, with additional watches possible. Three preliminary tornadoes have been reported across the entire region as of 5:10 p.m. CDT.

Tornado watches in the central United States as of 5 p.m. CDT on April 25, 2024. (AccuWeather)

A tornado watch means that weather conditions are prime for severe thunderstorms to develop and spin up twisters. Meanwhile,  a tornado warning means that a tornado is imminent or is happening  and that people in the path of the storm should seek shelter.

Calm before the storm

Apr. 25, 2024 3:03 PM PDT

A clear sky over Colby, Kansas, an area where tornado-producing thunderstorms are possible later Thursday afternoon. (AccuWeather/Tony Laubach)

Storm chasers are in position ahead of an outburst of thunderstorms expected to erupt over part of the Plains later Thursday afternoon.  AccuWeather Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Tony Laubach is in Colby, Kansas , located in the northwest part of the state, and is sitting under a sunny sky with a few patches of clouds.  A much different scene is foreseen to unfold over the region in a few hours, including the potential for tornadoes.

In-depth look at the severe weather threat

Apr. 25, 2024 1:07 PM PDT

AccuWeather Severe Weather Expert Guy Pearson joined Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno to talk about the forthcoming severe weather outbreak over the United States,  explaining why the threat of damaging thunderstorms will unfold over several days.  Watch the interview below:

The Plains and Midwest regions of the United States face a weekend of dangerous severe weather including the risk of tornadoes starting on Friday.

Types of tornadoes that may touch down through the weekend

Apr. 25, 2024 11:56 AM PDT

Tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes, but meteorologists can classify each one based on distinct features.  The smallest type of twister is a rope tornado , named after its long, thin appearance. It is one of the most common types of tornadoes and can be short-lived, but  some evolve into larger, more powerful twisters.

A large tornado spinning near Morton, Texas, on May 23, 2022. (Marcus Diaz via Storyful)

Wedge tornadoes are the largest type of tornadoes and can be over a mile wide . Some of the most intense tornadoes in history were wedge tornadoes, including the EF5 that leveled Joplin, Missouri, in 2011.  Click here to see more types of twisters that occur over the United States.

Severe weather outbreak to commence Thursday afternoon

Apr. 25, 2024 10:19 AM PDT

The first round of a multiday severe weather event is about to unfold over the central United States with  each day through the weekend bringing the risk of damaging winds, hail and tornadoe s. On Thursday, the severe weather threat will extend from northern Texas to eastern Wyoming, with  thunderstorms expected to erupt late Thursday afternoon.  The strongest storms are likely from the Texas Panhandle through western Kansas.

An even higher risk of severe weather is in the offing at the end of the week as the next round of thunderstorms unfolds. “ I think the worst days for severe weather, specifically tornadoes, is going to be [Friday] and then on Saturday ,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.  Click here for a full breakdown of the impending severe weather outbreak.

How to stay alert when severe weather nears

Apr. 25, 2024 8:17 AM PDT

Knowing when  severe weather is approaching can be life-saving information , especially during a severe weather outbreak, like what is unfolding over the South Wednesday. One of the easiest ways to receive severe weather alerts, such as tornado warnings, is by  having the free AccuWeather App on your smartphone .   Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you  subscribe to Premium+  on the  AccuWeather app , which also provides an ad-free experience. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. These custom alerts can provide critical time to seek shelter before damaging weather moves into the area . Watching the AccuWeather Network and monitoring  AccuWeather’s website  are two other ways to stay updated with the latest weather information.

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