Wind Gusts topping 70 mph cause damage in Grant on Sunday night

GRANT, Neb. — Straight-line winds exceeding 70 miles per hour struck the Grant area Sunday night, toppling trees and damaging structures.
The damaging winds, generated by the outflow of a weakening thunderstorm, hit shortly after 8 p.m. Among the hardest-hit sites was an old grain bin on the southwest corner of Central Avenue and West 1st Street, which suffered significant structural damage and posed a safety hazard.
Authorities cordoned off the area due to the instability of the structure. Residents of nearby apartments were evacuated as a precaution. Cleanup efforts are expected in the coming days, and officials are urging the public to avoid the area and allow space for heavy equipment operations.
The Perkins County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Grant Volunteer Fire Department, the City of Grant and local residents for their assistance in maintaining public safety during and after the storm.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of staying clear of emergency scenes.
“When events such as these occur, we would kindly ask the general public to stay clear and stay safe - instead of driving or walking in and asking first responders what is going on or if they can pass through.”