May 6th, 1975 Omaha Tornado Anniversary

Today is the anniversary of the Tuesday, May 6th, 1975 Omaha Tornado that took the lives of three people.

It was the costliest tornado in American history to that date, with damages of at least $250 million to $300 million in mid 1970's dollars.

The tornado that late afternoon hit in Sarpy County and moved northeast, causing heavy damage near 84th and "L," the Ralston area, before crossing I-80 east of 84th and causing massive damage in the Westgate area.

The twister destroyed Westgate Elementary School, after dismissal, directly hit Bergan-Mercy Hospital, and devastated a corridor along 72nd Street up toward Benson Park before dissipation.

On the air at KFAB Radio that unforgettable afternoon were broadcast legends like Walt Kavanagh, Gene Piatt, Kent Pavelka, Tom Johnson, and Joe Caccioppo.

In January of that year, the area had been hit by "The Blizzard of '75," so the Omaha World Herald, in it's annual "Midlander Of The Year" selection, named "All The People" for 1975.

(Pictures from Omaha National Weather Service)

Nina St., Westgate

Nebraska Furniture Mart


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