Pillen declares emergency for southeast Nebraska after heavy rain, severe flooding

LINCOLN — Southeast Nebraska is under a state of emergency following heavy rain and severe flooding as state officials assess damage to potentially apply for federal support.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen declared the emergency Thursday afternoon while surveying affected areas in northern Lancaster County, as first reported by 10/11 News, which was reporting on scene before the governor arrived. The record-setting rainfall Wednesday resulted in flooded roadways and multiple rescues of stranded motorists.

Lancaster County Engineer Pam Dingman told KETV Newswatch 7 that the storm could have lasting effects on county infrastructure, such as bridges and the county pipe culvert system.

“Please continue to exercise extreme caution around flooded areas and damaged infrastructure, and join me in expressing gratitude for the first responders and road crews who have worked around the clock responding to this flooding and keeping Nebraskans safe,” Pillen said in a Thursday social media post.

A spokesperson for the governor said Friday that damage assessments are still occurring, so the state will identify specifically affected counties later.

The declaration frees up state resources for recovery and requires state and federal agencies to support the state’s adjutant general, who leads the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

NEMA and the Nebraska National Guard, plus representatives for Lancaster County and the Lower Platte South Natural Resource District, joined Pillen in surveying the damage.

NEMA is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration and Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pillen’s office said Friday, to sling resources as damage assessments are completed. The governor’s office said that work will help determine if and what level of assistance will be available for recovery.