May 16, 2005

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

I want to provide an update on our efforts to respond to the recent storms that hit central Nebraska. I was in constant communication with emergency managers throughout the night and first thing the next morning, I headed to the communities hit hardest to see what help was needed. The day gave me the chance to visit with residents who lost many personal possessions and whose homes were severely damaged by the floodwaters.

Right away I was struck by the resilience of residents and the can-do spirit of Nebraskans. Every where I went, I saw examples of neighbors, volunteers from nearby communities and even children pitching in to help clean up the damage. I met with local officials and saw first-hand the extensive flooding, wind and hail damage to homes, schools, and businesses, as well as to crop and agricultural property.

In Hastings, many homes and businesses suffered major roof damage and broken windows, with much of the downtown area losing windows due to golf- and tennis-ball size hail. Several schools had significant hail and water damage, including Hastings College where many cars were damaged by hail and a music classroom lost a sky light.

More than 100 firefighters and police officers, including volunteers from neighboring towns, came to help Hastings residents clean up glass from windows shattered during the storm. I was extremely impressed by their determination to restore order so that downtown Hastings would be ready to reopen the following day.

Residents in Kenesaw, located nearly 15 miles west of Hastings, spent much of the morning filling and piling sandbags to protect homes and businesses as flood waters crested, and left much of the town under two to three feet of water.

Several streets in Grand Island remained flooded Thursday morning after an all-time record of more than seven inches of rain fell in one day. City crews worked through the night to clear debris. In nearby Wood River, residents survived a tornado and were dealing with severe flooding that damaged every home in the small community.

Officials with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency reached central Nebraska in the early morning hours after the storm, and will continue to work with local officials. The American Red Cross sent trained disaster workers to help local chapters respond to the storm, and local businesses and groups have pitched in to offer help to those whose homes were damaged.

The recent storms should serve as a reminder of just how quickly dangerous situations can develop. As we’ve seen, flash flooding in the hours following a downpour, hail and high winds are also very common this time of year.

We were very lucky to have a storm where there were no serious injuries. I encourage all Nebraskans, particularly anyone planning to be outdoors, to pay attention to changes in the weather and take every precaution to ensure their safety.

When I returned home I signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Adams and Hall counties. Other counties will be added as damage is assessed in the days and weeks ahead. I also deployed 20 members of the Nebraska National Guard to Grand Island.

Finally, I want to commend all the emergency managers, first responders, city officials and state agency workers who responded so quickly to the call for assistance. They have put in many long hours to prevent further damage and begin the clean up process. This was another instance where our state was ready to respond to an emergency, and I want to applaud everyone for their efforts, now and in the weeks to come