Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, along with Representatives Mike Flood, Don Bacon, and Adrian Smith, have formally asked President Donald Trump to approve a major disaster declaration for parts of Nebraska affected by severe storms from August 8 to 10.

The request supports Governor Jim Pillen’s appeal for federal assistance after storms brought thunderstorms, straight-line winds, and flash flooding to the state. The events caused nearly $40 million in damage and resulted in one fatality. The storms also led to downed trees and power lines that disrupted agricultural producers during harvest season, displaced families in several counties, and damaged government buildings and businesses.

Counties specifically named in the request include Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster.

In their letter to President Trump supporting Governor Pillen’s request for both a major disaster declaration and statewide Hazard Mitigation aid, the delegation wrote:

“We write in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed the storms occurring during the period of August 8 to 10, 2025, for the Nebraska counties of Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster. We also support Governor Pillen’s request for Hazard Mitigation statewide.

Severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, and flashed flooding caused extensive damage across the state. Overall,the storms inflicted nearly $40 million in damage and resulted in the tragic loss of a life. Downed trees and power lines disrupted producers during peak harvest season,d isplaced families in multiple counties,and caused damage to government facilities and businesses.

The full impact of these storms is still being calculated. We know our Nebraska communities will demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity as they work to recover ,as they have demonstrated many times in recent years.We encourage the federal government to join with the state in their ongoing restoration efforts.

We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request.Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.”

The delegation emphasized that recovery efforts are ongoing as officials continue assessing storm impacts throughout affected areas.