Gov. Pillen declares disaster after storms in one central Nebraska county

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen on Monday issued a disaster declaration after severe thunderstorms in Dawson County.

The storms on June 29 and 30 brought high winds and heavy rain, causing significant damage to public property and infrastructure, the Governor’s Office said.

According to Pillen, the storm inflicted millions of dollars in damage to Norris Public Power District infrastructure.

Pillen has directed the Nebraska adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Craig Strong — who also serves as the state disaster coordinator — to activate state emergency plans.

The disaster declaration will free up state resources to help the area as it works to address damage and other problems.

According to Pillen, Nebraska will likely seek a presidential disaster declaration to aid in recovery from the storms.