OMAHA, Nebraska (May 20, 2026) –The Salvation Army Western Division is sending disaster-relief teams to Auburn, Nebraska, as well as St. Libory, Nebraska, in the wake of widespread severe weather.
During the afternoon and evening of Monday, May 18, a storm system rolled across central and southeastern Nebraska, producing multiple tornadoes and straight-line windstorms. The northern end of the town of St. Libory was struck by a tornado, while Auburn was deluged by high-speed winds, hail, and torrential rain. Several homes were destroyed by the twister in St. Libory, while widespread damage from falling trees and power lines impacted Auburn.
Western Division EDS teams immediately sprang into action the next morning (May 19). An Omaha-based team took a canteen loaded with food and beverages to Auburn and conducted a street-by-street mobile feeding operation, supporting families as they cleared tree debris from their properties. Meanwhile, a Grand Island, Nebraska-based team brought meals and hydration to the St. Libory area to serve to storm-impacted individuals there. Between the two teams, hundreds of snacks and meals were served.
Both teams will be repeating those operations in Auburn and St. Libory today (May 20), and will continue to do so for as long as it is needed – as the Western Division maintains regular contact with emergency-management authorities in both communities.
