The storm that blew into the Omaha Metro area during rush hour Friday killed at least two people and left more than 130,000 households and businesses without electricity. For 40 minutes, the thunderstorm hit the area with heavy rain and 80 mph winds. In Council Bluffs, two young men were killed when a tree fell on the parked car they were sitting in.
The storm also had an effect on events and concerts in the Omaha area. The Kool and the Gang concert and fireworks show at Memorial Park was canceled. Organizers were estimating a crowd of 50,000 spectators.
Damage to the Qwest Center forced swimmers who are practicing for U.S. Olympic Trials to evacuate pools, however, it shouldn’t delay the start of the trials that get underway Sunday. An evening concert by Willie Nelson and Family at the Stir Concert Cove in the Bluffs was canceled, as well as the O-Royals minor league game at Rosenblatt Stadium due to loss of power from the storms.