‘We are all on it’: Multiple agencies part of Lincoln’s response to blizzard
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and other Lincoln officials briefed the public Tuesday on plans for dealing with rain, snow and extreme winds.
The city planned ahead for the possibility of power outages and falling trees, and both had already come to fruition by nightfall.
“This coordinated response should you assure that we are making a lot of proactive preparations,” Gaylor Baird said. “We are all on it.”
SEE ALSO: I-80 closed between Lincoln and Grand Island during blizzard
Thousands lost power as the blizzard barreled through Lincoln, and multiple fallen trees have been reported.
The Lincoln Electric System said several of the outages were caused by fallen trees.
Others were caused by tangled power lines, according to LES, and others were the result of crashes.
We’re still assessing the cause of outages. Here’s what we know: Several outages are from fallen tree branches, some are tangled power lines, others from car accidents. Our crews are actively out restoring power. Progress may be slow but crews are working. Stay in where its safe. https://t.co/LA3U9Dr7tt
— Lincoln Electric System (@LESupdates) March 5, 2025
SEE ALSO: Thousands lose power as blizzard blows through Lincoln
The Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department did not treat streets with brine ahead of the snow because it would have been washed off by the rain.
Crews have begun plowing arterial streets. LTU said that streets are snow covered and that visibility is limited.
All StarTran routes ended at 7 p.m. because buses are top-heavy and are prone to be blown over by heavy winds.
LTU said people should either put their trash out early Wednesday morning or skip trash day altogether to help avoid flying waste.
LES said high winds can delay fixing outages, so you should have a back-up generator if possible.
Gaylor-Baird said utility and city officials are working nonstop.
She encouraged people to report things like fallen trees to the city.
