Train Conductor Survives Direct Hit from EF-3 Tornado in Nebraska

In a harrowing incident on April 26, a train conductor in Waverly, Nebraska found himself directly in the path of an EF-3 tornado during a severe weather outbreak that spawned over 100 tornadoes across the Plains and Midwest. The powerful supercell unleashed a series of tornadoes in eastern Nebraska, putting communities on high alert.

Video footage recorded during the incident captured the conductor and engineer observing the approaching tornado as they waited for a signal change on the train tracks. Despite the imminent danger, they appeared relatively calm, discussing the size and trajectory of the twister. The conductor even managed to capture the intense sound of the tornado on his phone as it tore through branches and debris.

As the tornado drew nearer, the train was bombarded with flying debris, causing the engineer and conductor to express concern for their safety. The conductor shared the video on social media, showcasing the tornado's destructive power and the impact it had on the train.

Miraculously, both the conductor and engineer emerged unscathed after the tornado swept over the tracks. However, the tornado left its mark, derailing an astonishing total of 31 train cars. In the aftermath, the conductor confidently predicted the damage, stating, "We're going to have something on the ground. I guarantee we will."

Subsequent investigations conducted by National Weather Service (NWS) damage survey teams revealed that the tornado was indeed an EF-3, with wind speeds reaching up to 158 mph. The destructive path of the tornado spanned more than 8.5 miles of Lancaster County, including Waverly.

The incident serves as a reminder of the immense power and unpredictability of tornadoes, as well as the bravery and resilience of those who find themselves in the midst of such natural disasters. Both the conductor and engineer admirably held on and weathered the storm, with their survival standing as a testament to their courage and quick thinking.

As communities across the Plains and Midwest continue to recover from this severe weather outbreak, the incident in Waverly highlights the importance of being prepared and remaining vigilant in the face of rapidly changing weather conditions.