Governor Jim Pillen has formally requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following severe storms that caused extensive damage across eight Nebraska counties between May 15 and 18.
The storms brought tornadoes, extreme straight-line winds, and flash flooding, resulting in over $4.9 million in estimated damage to public infrastructure. Affected counties include Buffalo, Fillmore, Gage, Howard, Jefferson, Nemaha, Thayer, and Thurston. Reported damage encompassed downed power poles and lines, structural harm to schools and buildings, and compromised roadways, necessitating significant debris cleanup and emergency shelters for displaced individuals.
In addition to the disaster declaration, Governor Pillen also sought access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This program would provide funding for governmental entities to rebuild in ways that reduce future disaster losses, allowing the state to apply for such grants if approved. This marks the second federal disaster request from Governor Pillen in recent months, following a May request for wildfires with nearly $9.7 million in preliminary damage.