LINCOLN, Neb. – Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal major disaster declaration for Nebraska counties impacted by a severe summer thunderstorm that produced hurricane force winds and flash flooding from Aug. 8 – 10. The request includes the following 12 counties: Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington and Webster.
The storm resulted in damage to schools, public facilities and businesses. Power infrastructure was the hardest hit – impacting hundreds of power poles, transformers and downing electrical lines. Downed power lines and trees blocked roadways and significant flooding also forced road closures.
A woman was killed during the storm and a man severely injured at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. High winds also blew the roofs off two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary…