Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal major disaster declaration for 8 Panhandle counties, including Dawes and Sioux, that were impacted by winter storm conditions on April 6 and 7.
What began with thunderstorms and heavy rains developed into a system that produced freezing rain, snow, strong winds and blizzard conditions across Dawes, Sioux, Banner, Cheyenne, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff Counties.
A preliminary estimate puts damage at more than $10.5 million dollars. Federal funding approval would help cover costs to repair or replace public infrastructure.
The most significant damage was to power systems, including downed power lines and poles.. The five utility systems affected by the storm reported more than 2,000 poles as broken or knocked down, in addition to damage to other system hardware.
Some residents in the southern Panhandle were without electricity for up to a week. Other storm impacts included closed highways, downed trees, and some damage to local buildings and equipment.