On Friday July 3, 2026, at approximately 9:40 PM the Village of Cook was impacted by a severe warned thunderstorm that produced an isolated downburst with estimated wind speeds of approximately 80 mph. The storm caused damage to numerous trees across the community that caused damage to several buildings and homes. After initial damage assessments were conducted by Village Board members, Cook Rural Fire Department, Cook Rescue, Village Utilities, and Johnson and Pawnee County Emergency Management Agency it was determined out of an abundance of caution that the Village of Cook Village Board would submit a state of emergency declaration to the State of Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.
Residents are encouraged to submit any damages on the Johnson and Pawnee Counties Emergency Management Agency damage assessment tool available online at https:// ne-johnson.orioncentral.com/ SelfReporter.
The tree dump will be open to Village of Cook residents for any tree debris created by the storm. The Village Board does remind all residents to please only put tree branches in the dump; no trash or other debris is allowed.
