Governor Jim Pillen has declared a state of emergency for more than 20 counties impacted by this week’s winter storm. The combination of rain, sleet, hail, heavy snow and high winds resulted in the closing of many roadways, including Interstate 80.
The storm did considerable damage to trees and power lines, resulting in a loss of electricity across several service areas. The heaviest damage occurred along the eastern part of the state. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the peak outage in the state was reported Thursday afternoon with 119,199 customers without power. That has now been reduced to just over 29,000 customers.
Pilllen’s emergency declaration covers 24 counties: Burt, Butler, Cass, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Lancaster, Platte, Polk, Nuckolls, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Thurston, Washington, Wayne and York.
It is possible the list of counties will change as NEMA continues to receive damage assessment data from local emergency management agencies. Initial damage estimates currently exceed $21 million. Pillen reiterated his appreciation to those who have been managing aspects of storm since its onset early Wednesday.
“From state troopers who assisted stranded motorists, to snow removal crews and now those involved in repairing downed lines to re-establish our power grid – a lot of people have stepped up very quickly to ensure that our safety has been the number one priority,” Pillen says. “Once all damage assessments are completed, steps will be undertaken to seek a federal disaster declaration.”