UPDATE: At least 5 people dead in the powerful Midwest storm

UPDATE: Authorities say at least 5 people are dead after a powerful storm system that swept across the Great Plains and Midwest. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – This is a developing story, stick with Channel 8 for future updates.

UPDATE: Authorities say five people died in the powerful storm system that swept across the Great Plains and Midwest.

Officials say a 65-year-old man was killed Wednesday night when a 40-foot tree fell on him outside his home in southeastern Minnesota.

The Iowa State Patrol says a semitrailer was struck by high winds and rolled onto its side in eastern Iowa, killing the driver.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says three people died in traffic accidents due to blowing dust.

There were more than 20 tornado reports Wednesday scattered through eastern Nebraska and Iowa.

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UPDATE: Snow squall warning is in effect for Buffalo, Dawson, Gosper, and Phelps counties until 5:30 pm.  Windy conditions in conjunction with snowfall may create white-out conditions in the region.  We do not expect snow in Lincoln.

UPDATE: Lincoln Police ask those who must be out to treat all intersections with no functioning traffic lights as a four-way stop.  It is best to avoid the area and stay off the road to allow first responders to respond to calls and minimize risk.

UPDATE: Intersection of 27th and Highway 2 traffic lights are currently down as of 4:30 pm, police are on scene directing traffic.

UPDATE: According to LES 3,600 people are currently without power in Lancaster County. You can watch the LES Outage Map to monitor any changes in the area.

UPDATE: Northwest Lancaster County is in a tornado warning, seek shelter if you are in the area.   At the moment, 93 miles per hour gusts are being recorded at Lincoln Airport.

UPDATE: Reports of powerlines down near W Vandorn in the vicinity of the correctional facility.  There is currently a tornado warning in northwest Lancaster County.

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Adams County Emergency Management reports a few tornadoes in Ayr, south of Hastings around 2:07 pm.

At this time there is no reported damage due to the tornadoes; however, Adams County does currently have widespread damage from high winds.

This video is courtesy of Bryan Douglas, located in Hastings looking west, and depicts strong winds kicking up dust.

According to Adams County Sheriff, in the area of the reported tornado sightings, there is an overturned semi at Highway 6 and Adams Central.  At this time it cannot be confirmed that the tornadoes are the cause of the overturned semi.

This is a live dashcam view near York, Nebraska.  If you need help on the road in the aftermath of this storm, or other areas affected by today’s high winds, call *55 or 800-525-5555.

If it’s an emergency, call 911 immediately.