Shocking Footage Shows Violent Storm Tear Off Nebraska Prison’s Roof

A video released by Nebraska officials shows the moment a powerful storm tore off the roof of a state penitentiary Saturday.

The storm caused extensive damage to two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) around 5:15 a.m., The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) said in a press release. The housing units impacted held 387 inmates. Officials said there were no reported injuries.

A video shared by the NDCS on YouTube captured the moment the winds tore the roof off. Officials noted in the video that the winds came in at 80 to 90 mph.

The correction center’s tower security camera can be seen shaking in the wind moments before the roof rips off the building, falling to the ground as debris spreads out over the area. A security camera facing the front door of a housing unit shows debris flying after the roof was torn off. (RELATED: Videos Shows Massive Blow-Up Duck, Elephant Floating Across Traffic In Midwest Storm)

Prison staff secured 250 people to the facility’s gym and other housing areas at the penitentiary, according to the press release. Personnel transferred 137 individuals to gyms located at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution and Omaha Correctional Center.

“In corrections, we train for the unexpected,” NDCS Director Rob Jeffreys said in the press release. “The team at NSP and across NDCS came together quickly and immediately worked to make sure everyone was safe during and after this natural disaster.”

“While many of our staff were facing damage to their own homes, they still showed up to keep their teammates, the population and Nebraska safe. This weekend was a testament to the team’s commitment to the NDCS mission: Keep people safe,” Jeffreys continued.

Contractors were expected to assess the damage Monday and the NDCS estimated it will take at least a month to make repairs.