(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman is headed to central Nebraska today to survey damage from severe winter storms that brought freezing rain, ice and snow to many communities throughout central, western, and northeastern Nebraska. The Governor declared a state of emergency on Friday in anticipation of the severe weather and its impacts, and his tour is meant to gather information to buttress the state's case for a federal disaster declaration.

"It's clear from the conversations I've been having with local officials and emergency managers that the damage from this set of storms is widespread," Gov. Heineman said. "Further complicating matters is the fact that many of the power providers in central Nebraska were still recovering from winter storms that had just come through the area.

"Public power districts have been hard at work over the weekend, as have a state team of disaster response officials, who are working with them to compile damage assessments and coordinate assistance. I've directed state agencies to provide whatever assistance is needed to aid Nebraskans in affected communities as, together, we face some difficult days ahead."

Nebraska National Guard and Nebraska State Patrol helicopters are being used to assist damage assessments of the power distribution grid. The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is coordinating the state's disaster response efforts, and working with local entities and the American Red Cross to set up shelters for those who remain without power. The NEMA Emergency Operations Center opened at 2 a.m. CT Sunday and has remained open since.

The Nebraska Department of Roads is assisting in snow removal efforts, while troopers with the State Patrol were working to expedite the movement of emergency supplies and response crews, in addition to checking on local residents who might require assistance.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is working on a hotline in the coming days for farmers and ranchers needing access to generators for the power needed to support farming and ranching, while the Nebraska Health and Human Services System (HHSS) has been contacting hospitals, assisted living and nursing homes in the area and preparing to provide support as needed.

A state-level emergency declaration allows for access to state resources, including assistance from the National Guard. Counties sustaining significant damage to public infrastructure may be eligible to receive partial reimbursement for repair costs.

Counties also will be working with NEMA officials to compile damage reports in the week ahead, and NEMA has already requested assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Disaster response teams will be evaluating whether Nebraska's losses qualify for a federal disaster declaration and federal assistance.

The Governor will be joined by Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Nebraska's director of homeland security, and NEMA officials at a briefing with power district officials this afternoon in central Nebraska before continuing the tour of damaged areas.