Gov. Pillen issues state-of-emergency declaration in wake of severe weather

LINCOLN – Gov. Jim Pillen joined state and local leaders on Jan. 13 in providing an update on operations in the aftermath of the state’s most recent severe weather. Nebraskans, primarily in the eastern half of the state, are dealing with a combination of snowpack, blowing snow and subzero temperatures, creating a situation that Pillen described as critical. To ensure the availability of resources, the governor issued a state-of-emergency declaration.

“This event has had widespread impacts. State and local law enforcement are responding to calls from stranded drivers and road workers are doing their best to reopen closed highways and local roads,” Pillen said. “This is also having a significant impact on our farmers and ranchers, who are trying to keep animals warm and fed and get their products delivered.”

Noting the hazardous conditions, Erv Portis, assistant director with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, said the goal is to get impacted areas returned to normal as soon as possible.

“Governor Pillen’s disaster declaration is appreciated,” Portis said. “It authorizes NEMA and our partners in the State Emergency Operations Center to begin identifying resources as we work with the Nebraska Department of Transportation for repositioning of critical resources to affected counties in an effort to minimize the existing significant hazards of food security and life safety across Nebraska.”

Vicki Kramer, director for NDOT, stressed the need for drivers to stay off the road, not only for their own benefit, but also for the safety of road crews operating snowplows and blowers.

“This is a sustained operation to clear off Nebraska’s roads, meaning this will take longer than we’re normally used to,” Kramer said. “Stay home and off the roads, so we can get this done as safely and efficiently as possible.”

Kramer said 1,700 miles of roads were closed or impassable. That includes 54 closed highways. At one time during the most recent storm, NDOT had 375 plows out actively working to clear affected areas.

Col. John Bolduc of the Nebraska State Patrolechoed Kramer’s caution that drivers remain off the roads. He mentioned that in the past week, state troopers had responded to nearly 1,000 calls for stranded motorists.

“When we need to get resources to someone who is stuck, that means we don’t have those resources available to help someone else. The best thing that people can do right now is to stay home,” Bolduc said. “If you do get stranded, call 911 or *55. Stay with your vehicle and someone will be dispatched to help you.”

Sherry Vinton, director for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, noted that ongoing weather conditions were particularly difficult for livestock producers.

“In spite of their best efforts to prepare for this storm, due to the duration, snow fall totals and low temperatures, the situation for our livestock producers and industry is becoming critical,” Vinton said.

“We send our heartfelt thanks to the producers who work tirelessly outside to feed, care for and keep close watch on their livestock during snow events.

“We also recognize and appreciate those that work along the supply chain to help bring critically needed feed, fuel and supplies along with transporting products out to ensure the continuity of the food supply chain.”

The NDA is gathering information from producers to help prioritize livestock assistance requirements. Producers can reach out to the NDA at 800-831-0550 for more information.

Pillen said Nebraskans are best at helping fellow Nebraskans in times of need. He stressed this would be a multiple-day event, in getting roads reopened and resuming normal operations.

“We have been preparing for this and are taking all necessary steps to make sure we have the resources available to protect public safety and ensure our businesses and ag producers get back to work as soon as possible,” Pillen said.