Governor Pete Ricketts has issued an emergency declaration to allow state funds to be used for the response to the blizzard which has affected Nebraskans statewide Friday and continuing into this morning.
“Hundreds of motorists have been stranded and power outages are reported in many communities,” Ricketts says. “This declaration allows state funds from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help our communities in their response.”
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency is working to get a temporary communications tower to Region 26 after its dispatch tower was toppled due to 60 mph winds. Blaine, Garfield, Greeley, Loup, Sherman, Thomas, Valley, and Wheeler counties make up Region 26 and are affected by the loss.
Road closures, including Interstate 80 and U.S. Highways 30 and 20, have affected travelers and sent them to shelters. Big Springs and Sidney report that they have opened shelters.
“Road conditions are still not safe across the state and travel is not recommended,” said NEMA Assistant Director Bryan Tuma. “Stay home and be safe.”
Road conditions remain poor to impassible in many parts of central to western Nebraska. At this time, Interstate 80 is closed to westbound traffic from Grand Island to the Wyoming state line. Eastbound I-80 is closed from the Wyoming state line to Ogallala. Keep up-to-date on other road closures by calling 511, visiting 511.Nebraska.gov, or by downloading the 511 smartphone app.
(Photos: Nebraska State Patrol)