2024 tornado outbreak: Blair community reflects on devastating storms

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - In a quiet rural area just south of Blair there are still noticeable scars from last year’s April storms.

Those like Ann Kobs has lived here for 26 years.

When the tornado hit, she huddled inside her basement under the stairs with her daughter and did her best to protect her.

“There’s still anxiety that happens,” Kobs said. “You heard the popping, cracking, and moving of the furniture.”

Kobs’ house and 350 homes near Blair were damaged or destroyed.

“Pretty quickly my husband had gotten there,” Kobs said. “A vision I will never forget about him is walking through the ravine then coming up the hill to find his wife and daughter ok,” She said. “House gone, but us ok.”

A year later the area looks much different. There’s new housing getting built and empty spaces where future development will take place.

“Often times it takes part of the season to get everything cleaned up, the debris removed, insurance all settled, and then the new designs for the structures,” Green said. “A lot of that building will take place this year, and I think the county had about 120.”

Phil Green, the Blair city administrator, informed me that both the municipality and groups such as First Lutheran Church continue to assist those affected by the storms.

I am part of the Washington County long-term recovery team," explained Erika Cada. "Our role involves monitoring the whereabouts and financial needs of affected individuals. We gathered contributions, operated something akin to a store for all the victims; this period serves as an opportunity to acknowledge that progress continues.

This message of optimism strikes a chord with Ann Kobs. Currently residing in a rented property, she eagerly anticipates breaking ground on her upcoming new house shortly.

She mentioned that she wouldn't be present here without the backing of her community.

“Thank you and, it’s not just me every single person that was out there,” Kobs said.

The Omaha Community Foundation will work with several health organizations next month.

They will do door to door community survey assessments in Washington and Douglas county.

The goal is to find out what victims still need help with in terms of the financial and recovery process.