Pillen requests federal disaster declaration from Trump for March blizzard

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen requested President Donald Trump to declare a disaster Friday after the winter storm that pounded the state on last month.

The storm on March 18 and 19 produced thunderstorms, sleet, high winds and blizzard conditions.

So far, damage estimates have exceeded $64.8 million, most of which stems from utility repairs.

SEE ALSO: Norris restores power to almost all customers after worst winter storm damage since ‘76

More than 1,700 poles were downed or destroyed, according to the governor’s office.

At one point, about 200,000 customers were without power.

Some communities – including York and Fremont – opened shelters for those without power for an extended time.

SEE ALSO: Gov. Pillen declares emergency in 24 Nebraska counties after blizzard

Some trees and structures were also toppled.

The storm also resulted in the closure of major roadways, including 160 miles of Interstate 80 and 70 miles of Interstate 29.

Pillen’s request covers the counties of Boone, Burt, Butler, Cass, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Hamilton, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Platte, Polk, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Thurston, Washington, Webster and York.

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