OMAHA, Nebraska, June 27. A severe storm hammered the Qwest Center today, the site of the U.S. Olympic Trials set to begin on Sunday. Swimmers that were on location had to leave the pool, while power for most of the city was knocked out as well.
As soon as the tornado warning sirens hit, police officers and other security personnel moved swimmers, coaches and other staff members into the outside corridors.
Additionally, water from the storm has leaked into the venue, on seating and even onto the deck due to the storm, forcing event organizers to shut down the pool this evening to evaluate the damage.
Also, some flight plans have been forced to be changed as some flights heading into Omaha have been canceled.
"We were en route to the hotel when the storm hit, and our bus went airborne," Indiana assistant coach Pam Swander told Swimming World. "Thankfully we had a very experienced driver, and he knew what he had to do. When it hit us, it went fast and furious. It was just a wall of water. The team is okay, and we are all safe in our hotel. It was a scary experience."
"When we came into the 2000 trials in Indianapolis, the same type thing happened," Erik Vendt told the Associated Press. "Just a crazy thunderstorm that shook the hotel. Maybe that's a good sign. USA Swimming puts us in tornado alley during tornado season."
"The staff at Qwest Center Omaha acted swiftly and efficiently to ensure the safety of the athletes and staff in the building during the extreme weather in Omaha today," USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said. "We commend them on their professionalism and are pleased to report that there were no injuries, and that the atmosphere inside the Qwest Center was remarkably calm. The Olympic Team Trials will go on as planned beginning on Sunday."
Full text of the Associated Press article.
