A powerful storm swept through Cozad early Saturday morning, leaving a trail of devastation that has deeply impacted the lives of all our residents. The storm began around 1:30 a.m., surprising the town with golf ball to softball-sized hail, causing extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and businesses.

Devastation. That one four-syllable word has impacted the lives of all members of our community. Wrecked, ruined, destruction. That is what the Cozad community woke up to, whether in the middle of the night or first thing Saturday morning.

On Friday, most residents enjoyed a muggy day with mid-80-degree temperatures, unaware of the brewing storm. By 12:30 a.m., a severe storm started to form northeast of North Platte and rapidly intensified as it moved east. Cozad, situated on the southern edge of this developing storm, experienced the brunt of its fury. The storm’s most severe section, marked by white and purple radar indicators, hovered over Cozad for approximately 15 minutes before shifting south, leaving behind a scene of destruction.

Driving around town on Saturday morning revealed the full extent of the storm’s impact. It is undoubtedly a loss worth millions of dollars. Storefront windows were shattered, including those at Brill Chiropractic, Jack’s Welding, and the Haymaker Creative District among many. There was no shortage of sighting a broken window to a vehicle or home which many suffered significant damage from the large hail with shredded siding and large dents. Lawns were pelted with large divots from the hail, and trees were stripped of their leaves, which then littered the streets and yards, mingled with other debris. Farmers also have the devastation of their crops beaten and shredded down by the hail.

The Cozad Community Hospital had to divert patients from their emergency room, temporarily close their front entrance, and their phone lines went down.

The City of Cozad closed the pool due to storm damage as well as the Wilson Public Library, though those damages have not yet been stated. The city also brought in Fast Forward, who they have worked with in the past and received an award from, to help identify possible storm damage to infrastructure and facilities as Fast Forward uses thermal imaging.

Hot Meals USA quickly announced that they would be in town providing free supper on Saturday and all three meals on Sunday. They set up their station in the city municipal parking lot which all the residents, first responders, volunteers, and workers helping with clean up were grateful for.

At any point over the weekend, what you could see was heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once. There were boarded-up houses and buildings, and cars tarped and taped as far as the eye could see. Once the damages sank in, everyone simply started cleaning, chatting, and commiserating. Cozad residents, out-of-town family and friends, and strangers raking up leaves and branches, sweeping glass, and hauling tree branches.

The National Weather Service did not issue a warning until 5:30 a.m., placing Cozad, Dawson County, and several surrounding counties under a Hazardous Weather Outlook Advisory for the next seven days. The Service’s records from Saturday morning, covering the period from 1:35 a.m. to 2:35 a.m., merely indicated a thunderstorm in the vicinity. Prior to the storm, forecasts for Friday, June 28, had predicted only a few weak thunderstorms, with intermittent storms expected for the following seven days, including Independence Day.

In the face of this unexpected disaster, the Cozad community demonstrated remarkable kindness as they rallied together in the early hours of the morning, with neighbors helping one another. Many of the local insurance companies responded swiftly, opening their offices early on Saturday to assist clients with claims and reminding residents to keep receipts for materials used in temporary repairs to homes and vehicles. The Creative District provided cardboard for anyone needing to patch up broken windows or other damage. Earl’s Autoglass was open and helping around town. Roofing and siding companies were also littered throughout town offering assistance and relief for a quick recovery.

Despite the severe impact of the storm, the spirit of Cozad’s residents was undeniable. People of all ages came out to help clean up the debris, clear roads, and assist those with significant damage.

Cozad LOCAL reached out to Mayor Marcus Kloepping who had not responded to questions by the time this article was written but it is clear that in times like these, it’s heartening to see our community come together. The storm may have caused significant damage, but it hasn’t broken the great people we live around.

As Cozad begins the process of recovery, the strength and unity of our residents will undoubtedly play a crucial role. This unexpected storm has tested the town, but the community’s swift and compassionate response serves as a powerful reminder of the passion and kindness that define Cozad. What a devastatingly great reminder to always be kind to your neighbor.

For more information on Nebraska Roofing Contractors who can assist with storm damage roof repair, siding and gutters.

Read the original article on Cozad Local.

Watch the video about the hailstorm on 10/11 Now.