SE Nebraska News

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, along with Representatives Mike Flood, Don Bacon, and Adrian Smith, have formally supported Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms that struck Nebraska from August 8 to 10, 2025.

The storms brought thunderstorms, straight-line winds, and flash flooding to the state. The resulting damage was estimated at nearly $40 million. One person died during the events. The storms caused widespread disruption: downed trees and power lines affected agricultural producers during harvest season, families were displaced in several counties, and government facilities as well as businesses suffered damage.

The counties impacted include Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster.

In their letter to President Donald Trump supporting the governor’s request for federal assistance and hazard mitigation measures statewide, the delegation wrote:

"Dear Mr. President:

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, displaced 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."

Officials say that assessment of total losses is ongoing but emphasize that recovery efforts are underway across affected areas.