(AP) — Powerful thunderstorms that spawned several tornadoes as they moved across the state have caused damage in several eastern Nebraska towns and across the rural areas between them.

The storms that developed in south-central Nebraska near Hastings Sunday afternoon damaged homes and businesses in Sutton, Garland, Cordova and Daykin. The storms also left nearly 17,000 utility customers without electricity Sunday evening.

The storms maintained their strength and continued to generate tornadoes for more than three hours as they moved across Nebraska. By the time the initial storms reached Omaha, the storms still produced winds over 70 mph and heavy winds but not tornadoes.

The storm knocked down several farm outbuildings west of Sutton and blew debris across U.S. Highway 6, forcing officials to close the highway.