Storm displaces 387 inmates as Nebraska prison loses roof from two housing units

Source: Nebraska Examiner

By: Aaron Sanderford - August 11, 2025 11:50 am

LINCOLN — Straight-line winds of 80-90 mph tore the roof off of parts of two housing units Saturday at the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary, displacing 387 inmates, the state announced.

Damage estimates and first steps toward temporary repairs were still taking place Monday, though more information was expected from the Department of Correctional Services.

Video of the damage shows parts of the roof being pulled off of a facility that has been the subject of much discussion in the Legislature for its need for upgrades or replacement.

Gov. Jim Pillen, in a tweet Sunday on X, credited Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys and his staff for safely relocating the inmates and said he was “incredibly proud” of their work.

Damage on the property of the Nebraska State Penitentiary from a Saturday storm. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)


Read more: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/storm-displaces-387-inmates-as-nebraska-prison-loses-roof-from-two-housing-units/