Twin Tornado Touch down in Northeast Nebraska and Devastaes Town of Pilger & Stanton (Update: Two Killed Including 5 Year Old Child)

WOW … HEAVEN HELP THEM.

Massive tornadoes hit Pilger, Nebraska.

The National Weather Service said the two twisters touched down within roughly a mile of each other. Emergency crews and residents spent the evening sifting through demolished homes and businesses in the community of about 350, roughly 100 miles northwest of Omaha. At least 19 people were injured.

“More than half of the town is gone – absolutely gone,” Stanton County Commissioner Jerry Weatherholt said. “The co-op is gone, the grain bins are gone, and it looks like almost every house in town has some damage. It’s a complete mess.”

PICS of the devastation from The Weather Channel

UPDATE I: At least two people died and 16 were critically injured.

Rescuers found several critically injured people near Pilger’s Main Street, including a 5-year-old who died after being taken to the hospital. Another fatality was confirmed in Cuming County about four miles east of Pilger, he added in a statement. Further details were not immediately available.

Faith Regional Health Services said it had 16 people in critical condition. Three of the injured were taken to Providence Hospital in Wayne. Two were treated and released for lacerations while the third remained under observation in stable condition, according to hospital spokeswoman Sandy Bartling.

“This is a significant storm, and one that I have never seen the likes of, ever. Really,” said Greg Postel, a severe weather specialist for The Weather Channel.

UPDATE II: Severe Weather Forecast: Tornadoes, High Winds, Hail to Continue Pounding the Plains, Midwest.