Southeast Nebraska author debuts book about 2004 Hallam tornado

HALLAM, Neb. - Just over 20 years after one of the most destructive tornadoes in the history of the state, stories are being retold about the 2004 Hallam tornado in southeast Nebraska. 

Gene Steinmeyer recently released his new book "The Evil Wind" retelling the stories of witnesses of the tornado which struck on May 22, 2004. The twister was 2.5-miles wide, left 38 injured and one dead. 

Steinmeyer says he became interested in writing the book after last years 20th anniversary. 

"When there's a major event, you always remember where you were at - like when the twin towers fell," Steinmeyer said. "The thing I feared, was this thing was 54 miles long and it destroyed a lot of farms, it destroyed a lot of farms and it destroyed Hallam. 95% of Hallam was destroyed."

The storm destroyed 158 homes in it's path and Steinmeyer recounts stories from those involved. The book is broken up ino three sections, beginning with the experience of meteorologist Rusty Dawkins. 

"I write about him because he saved lives - his report saved lives," Steinmeyer said. "Part two is when the tornado hit, what did you do to survive? Because everyone has a survival story and part three is the rebuilding."

As a way to debut the book, Steinmeyer is holding a book signing at the Hallam Auditorium on Sunday. 

"On Sunday from 11-1 there will be a spaghetti dinner that'll benefit the park in Hallam," Steinmeyer said. "It was destroyed 20 years ago and they keep trying to raise money for playground equipment."