Tornados aren’t an uncommon occurrence here in the Cornhusker State. We tend to see several a year, most of which are mild and don’t cause much damage. In 2004, however, a record-breaking tornado hit south-central Nebraska and left a swath of damage like nothing we’d ever seen before.

May 22, 2004 produced a massive storm late in the day in southeastern Nebraska. The tornado formed near Daykin, then traveled north-northeast, gaining strength as it went.
NWS/Public Domain
Although the tornado caused damage to several towns and villages along its path, the town of Hallam was almost completely leveled.
Hanyou23/Public Domain
Homes, businesses, farming equipment, and even a coal train were flattened or tossed around.
Bob McMillan/Public Domain
It was at Hallam that the tornado reached its maximum size and intensity. It measured a huge 2.5 miles wide, making it the widest tornado ever recorded at the time.
Bob McMillan/Public Domain

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When it blew through Hallam, the tornado was rated an F4 on the Fujita scale. When a tornado is classified an F4, its wind speed is approximately 207-260 miles per hour.
Bob McMillan/Public Domain
After it was all done, the Hallam tornado had been on the ground for more than 100 minutes and traveled 52 miles. This was a monster storm, the type that most of us hope we never see.
WxGopher/Public Domain
The damage was severe and widespread. Buildings were reduced to sticks and rubble, and not a single person in the town was unaffected.
WxGopher/Public Domain
One person was killed in the storm and 38 others were injured. That means that in a village of just over 200, around 20 percent of residents were physically harmed.
WxGopher/Public Domain
Much of the damage was permanent. In this photo, a 120-year-old family homestead is being demolished because of the severe damage in incurred.
WxGopher/Public Domain

Being hardy Nebraskans, Hallam residents began picking up the pieces and rebuilding almost immediately. Neighbors helped neighbors and people from surrounding communities pitched in to clear the debris and make the town whole again.

The Hallam tornado of 2004 was a historic and tragic storm – and it’s not the only one to cause widespread damage. Read about another unforgettable tornado here.

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