Gov. Pillen declares emergency in Nebraska after ‘crippling’ winter storms
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov. Jim Pillen announced on Saturday that Nebraska is in a state of emergency.
He described the two severe winter weather events hitting Nebraska this week as “incredibly crippling.”
“Stay home for several days because this event is not going away tonight, it’s not going away tomorrow,” he said. “It’s going to take a number of days.”
The state of emergency allows Nebraska to access more resources and also opens up the governor’s emergency fund.
State agencies are getting reports of vehicles breaking down in all 93 counties across Nebraska.
Pillen said some counties couldn’t even give full assessments of how they’re doing because of the severe weather.
Pillen was joined by representatives of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska Department of Transportation, Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
Each speaker echoed the governor’s urges for Nebraskans to keep off of the roads as bitter wind chills continue.
“The situation we’re in today is dire,” NDOT Director Vicki Kramer said.
She said there are around 350 plows out in eastern Nebraska but warned that it will still take days to reach all the affected roads.
SEE ALSO: Lincoln Airport working nonstop to keep runway and taxiway clear of snow
Col. John Bolduc with the state patrol said troopers have assisted over 400 stranded motorists in the past couple days and well over 900 in the past week.
Pillen said it’s an “all hands on deck” response by agencies across the state.
“The great part is there’s no better place to live, because together, we can get through this,” he said.
SEE ALSO: City of Lincoln says it’s undertaking ‘largest possible response’ to heavy snow
