2008 Severe Weather

Updated: Monday, June 23rd

Beginning May 22nd, and continuing on to present, a large area of Nebraska has been impacted by a series of severe weather events. Portions of Nebraska have been affected by flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds.

*Click here to view a map of counties impacted by these storms*

Because of the extent of damages to public and private properties, President Bush has approved Governor Heineman's request for a disaster declaration. Fifty-three counties have been included for public assistance as part of this disaster declaration. In addition, thirteen counties have been approved for individual assistance. Individual property owners in those counties will be able to apply for federal assistance with cleanup and repairs to homes and businesses. FEMA will coordinate community meetings in the weeks to come to help residents begin the application process. The thirteen counties approved for individual assistance include Buffalo, Butler, Colfax, Dawson, Douglas, Gage, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kearney, Platte, Richardson, Sarpy, and Saunders Counties.

For more information on this Presidential disaster declaration, please visit this page on the FEMA website.

Although the recovery process has begun in many communities, we are still in the middle of severe weather season. For tips on severe weather preparedness, please visit our Severe Storms Guide page, located on this website.

NEWS UPDATES

• June 20: Nebraska Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration for Severe Storms
• June 13: Governor Heineman Requests Federal Disaster Declaration
• June 11: Governor Heineman Provides Update on State Storm Response
• June 5: Governor Encourages Nebraskans to Keep an Eye on Weather
• June 5: Storms, Flooding, and Power Outages Can Affect Food Safety
• June 5: Motorists Advised to Be Alert for Severe Weather
• June 5: Safety Tips for Areas Affected by Storms and Flooding
• June 5: Water Quality May Be A Concern After Recent Storms
• June 1: State Assists with Storm Recovery Efforts
• May 30: Governor & Lt. Governor Tour Storm Damage
• May 29: Governor Declares State of Emergency Following Central Nebraska Tornadoes
• May 29: Emergency Operations Center Activated for Kearney Tornadoes
• May 7: Tips for Individuals Affected By Weather-Related Damages

PHOTOS

• June 5: Governor & NEMA Tour Central & Southeastern Nebraska Storm Damage
• May 30: Governor Tours Kearney Tornado Damage

OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS

• Presidential Disaster Declaration 1770
• Current severe weather watches from the Storm Prediction Center
• Severe Storms: A Guide For Survival
• NEMA Disaster Recovery Programs
• Nebraska VOAD
• Dept. of Health & Human Services: Resources for Coping with Tornadoes & Severe Storms
• Dept. of Insurance: Consumer Tips for Weather-Related Disasters
• National Flood Insurance Program
• Insurance Information Institute: Settling Insurance Claims After a Disaster
• Governor's Column: Cleanup Continues

Consumers with additional questions can call the Nebraska Department of Insurance, using their toll-free hotline at 877-564-7323. The Nebraska Department of Insurance can also be found on the web at www.doi.ne.gov.