Lincoln 911 centers experiencing disruptions due to Windstream outages

UPDATE: Windstream says their services were back up around 8:50 p.m., though some counties were still experiencing 911 call center disruptions.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency reports 911 services in the area are experiencing disruptions.

This announcement was made around an hour after Windstream telecommunications said they would be shutting off their services due to a transformer fire that damaged equipment.

The Lincoln Police Department has confirmed that the 911 disruptions and the Windstream outages are connected.

The outage began around 6:30 p.m. and a Windstream spokesperson estimated it would last around five hours.

This comes after several of the state’s largest counties lost service Thursday night due to a cut fiber optic line.

Emergency management said the outage may last several hours.

Lincoln/Lancaster 911 is experiencing disruptions & may be down for the next several hours. If you cannot reach 9-1-1 please call in this order:

1-402-441-6000
1-531-249-9797
1-402-326-5072
1-402-405-6766

Please share to help spread the word! pic.twitter.com/smJfLmvCOh

— Lincoln-Lancaster Emergency Mngmt. (@LancasterCoEMA) September 3, 2023

If you cannot reach 911 in the Lincoln-Lancaster County area, you are encouraged to reach out in this order:

1-402-441-6000

1-531-249-9797

1-402-326-5072

1-402-405-6766

The Nebraska State Patrol also says you can call them through their *55 number, as troopers are available to help with local emergencies.