Nebraska Gov. Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for 12 Counties After Deadly August Storms

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal major disaster declaration for 12 counties severely impacted by a storm that brought hurricane-force winds and flash flooding in early August. The storm caused extensive damage to schools, businesses, public facilities, and particularly power infrastructure, with hundreds of power poles, transformers, and electrical lines damaged or destroyed. Tragically, a woman was killed and a man severely injured at Two Rivers State Recreation Area when a tree fell on their vehicle during the storm. The Nebraska State Penitentiary also suffered significant damage when high winds blew off the roofs of two housing units, displacing hundreds of inmates. Preliminary damage estimates exceed $39 million and are expected to rise as assessments continue. The federal disaster declaration would enable Nebraska to access federal funds to assist with recovery and repair costs in the affected counties.