Gov. Pillen declares emergency in 24 Nebraska counties after blizzard

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen declared an emergency Friday over the blizzard that barreled through the state this week.

The storm closed roadways across the state and damaged trees and powerlines, resulting in widespread outages.

At one point Thursday afternoon, 119,199 customers were without power, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

As of Friday afternoon, that number was reduced to just over 29,000.

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Pillen said the eastern part of the state sustained the worst damage.

The governor’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.

The proclamation will allow Nebraska’s adjutant general to use state funds in the storm recovery.

SEE ALSO: ‘I couldn’t believe it’: Massive cleanup underway in Lincoln after blizzard topples trees

Pillen said once damage assessments are complete, he will seek a federal disaster declaration.

The governor thanked those responding to the storm.

“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,” he said in a press release.

PHOTOS: Blizzard pounds Nebraska