KEITH COUNTY, Neb. — Eight people were evaluated after a powerful storm swept across Lake McConaughy Tuesday night, overturning multiple campers and causing widespread damage and power outages around the lake.
According to Keith County EMS, crews were dispatched at 10:38 p.m. (2238 hours) on June 30 to Beach Area 5 following reports that multiple campers had been flipped by the severe weather.
Keith County EMS responded with one Advanced Life Support (ALS) command unit and two ALS ambulances. The Keystone-Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department and Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department were simultaneously dispatched to assist with the rescue.
Additional mutual aid was requested from the Paxton Volunteer Fire Department, which staged a Basic Life Support (BLS) unit near the scene, while Perkins County Ambulance positioned an ambulance in Ogallala to maintain emergency 911 coverage during the response.
Emergency crews evaluated eight patients, all of whom were treated and released at the scene. No hospital transports were reported.
The storm left extensive damage across portions of the lake, particularly along the shoreline between Beach Areas 5 and 12, where officials say significant erosion has occurred.
Keith County EMS is urging anyone visiting the area to use extreme caution.
Officials warn that unstable shorelines, washed-out areas, and storm-damaged trees present ongoing hazards. Visitors are advised to stay alert, avoid eroded sections of the beach, and always look overhead for broken or weakened tree limbs that could fall without warning.
The severe weather also caused power outages on both the north and south sides of Lake McConaughy.
Damage assessments and hazard mitigation efforts are continuing with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Keith County Sheriff's Office.
All responding emergency units had returned to service by 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.