Grand Island, Nebraska – A powerful deluge dumped up to 7.8 inches of rain across parts of central Nebraska by Thursday morning, triggering flash flood concerns and swamping low-lying areas from Kearney to Fullerton.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, the heaviest 24-hour totals were reported in Grand Island (6.8″–7.8″), Central City (7.3″), and Wood River (6.29″). The soaking rain began Tuesday and intensified overnight Wednesday, with rainfall rates overwhelming storm drains in Hall, Merrick, and Nance counties.
Roads near Grand Island and Fullerton were temporarily impassable early Thursday, with localized ponding on U.S. Highway 30 and Nebraska Highway 281. Emergency managers are urging residents to avoid driving through water-covered roads and to monitor for additional alerts. Kearney saw 2.6″–3.2″ of rain, while Hastings reported 1.8″–2.1″.
This marks one of the highest 24-hour rainfall events in the area since 2021. While no widespread evacuations have been issued, residents in flood-prone areas should remain on alert and charge devices in case of power outages.
Flash flood watches remain in effect through Thursday night, with more rainfall possible in saturated regions.
