Severe weather unleashed its fury on most of Central Nebraska on Thursday night.

The City of North Platte experienced widespread damage as storms packing winds of greater than 70 mph barreled through at around 10:30.  Power was knocked out in pockets around town due to downed trees and power lines.  The Post observed widespread damage in the west part of town along Buffalo Bill from Cedarberry to Pawnee.  An elderly resident was trapped in her home on McDonald Avenue after a large tree fell on her house.  As of Friday morning, power had been restored to most residents.

In Dawson County, the National Storm Prediction Center reports that cars driving on Interstate 80 were being pushed sideways by the destructive winds.  Ping pong ball sized hail driven by 70 mph winds caused major damage to structures throughout the County.

In Antelope County, trees were shredded and buildings were severely damaged.

Large hail and destructive winds also caused significant damage in Cherry County.

The National Weather Service says storms are possible across the State for the next seven days, with the potential for severe weather nearly every night.

Stay tuned to Mix 97.1, Q Country 107.3 and ESPN 1410 AM any time severe weather threatens the area.