OTOE COUNTY, Neb. (FOX42KPTM) - A barn that was toppled over, tree branches that were scattered about and storm debris that surrounded homes. That was the view Monday in Otoe County south of Syracuse, Nebraska.

The National Weather Service confirmed Monday two tornadoes tore through there last Friday night with both measuring an EF1 in terms of strength. Those are two of several that have swept through NWS Omaha's coverage area since this past December.

According to the Weather Service, seven tornadoes have been logged in the first four months of 2022 alone. The average for January through April in the last 30 years is just about three. At seven, that's more than double the average.

"It is a little bit above normal."

DeWald says there are likely reasons for the increase beyond just Mother Nature.

"There are more storm chasers that chase storms. A lot of college students go out on their spare time and chase thunderstorms. There's also more technology and everybody has a cell phone."

There could be more twisters to come. DeWald says we're now getting into peak tornado season.

"May and June are typically our severe weather months where we can have an uptick in severe weather."

If you haven't already, he recommends you prepare for it now.

According to the Weather Service, both tornadoes in Otoe County were at least a half mile long. Peak wind speed was estimated at just under 100 miles per hour.