Areas around the city of Omaha, Nebraska, saw severe flash flooding after a storm dumped over 5 inches (127 mm) of rain late on 07 August 2021.
In some of the worst flooding in 20 years, areas of downtown Omaha were under water after rain flowed to lower lying areas of the city. Several motorists and their vehicles were left stranded in the water, while dozens of parked cars were also damaged.
Two people took refuge on the roof of a vehicle that had become stranded in flood water. They were later rescued by police and bystanders. Videos shared on Social Media showed dramatic footage of people trapped in a flooded elevator. The three managed to escape safely.
National Weather Service Omaha said “radar estimated rainfall shows that portions of Polk, Butler, Saunders, and Cass Counties have soaked up 4-5+” (100 to 127 mm) of rain.
Omaha Police Department said on 08 August, “Though the severe weather and heaviest rain has ended, please use caution while traveling in various areas of Omaha. There are reports of manhole covers missing, debris in the roadways, as well as flooding/standing water.”
Social Media
Radar estimated rainfall shows that portions of Polk, Butler, Saunders, and Cass Counties have soaked up 4-5+” of rain.
Spotters reported over 3″ in parts of Omaha, too.
Play with the data yourself at https://t.co/nCAOcCHmns. #FloodOMA #IAwx #NEwx pic.twitter.com/jdiPDeL6db
— NWS Omaha (@NWSOmaha) August 8, 2021
This flood footage from the Old Market in Omaha is insane. I’ve never seen anything like this firsthand. @ketv
Video credit: Tony Luu pic.twitter.com/sQGFcPjT0V— Caitlin Harvey (@CaitlinHarveyWX) August 8, 2021
Video of 11th & Leavenworth #omaha @NWSOmaha #newx #turnarounddontdrown pic.twitter.com/VUMyS9LxA5
— HeartlandReady (@Heartland_Ready) August 8, 2021
Update on my car: GONE! pic.twitter.com/MF2jN7haBj
— Tyler J.W. Henningsen (@TyHenningsen) August 8, 2021
@omaha_scanner avoid the old market !!! pic.twitter.com/cAMUeraW3Z
— Karen (@SoooKaren) August 8, 2021