Reminisce on 2004 Hallam, Nebraska tornadoes

Tornadoes, heavy rain and high winds assaulted the Midlands — in particular pounding southeast Nebraska — on May 22, 2004, prompting Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns to declare a state of emergency. Hallam, Nebraska, about 25 miles southwest of Lincoln, was the hardest hit of the Nebraska communities pummeled by the storm. One person died and nearly 40 others were injured in Hallam. Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner said 95% of the homes and businesses in Hallam were destroyed or severely damaged. About 270 people lived there before the tornado. The...