Governor Encourages Nebraskans to Keep an Eye on Weather

(Lincoln, Neb.- Photos ) Gov. Dave Heineman today urged Nebraskans to be mindful of the potential for more severe weather tonight and throughout the remainder of the week.

 The National Weather Service issued a high risk storm warning today for much of the state throughout Thursday evening and into Friday. A tornado watch has been issued for the eastern half of the state. Forecasters are predicting storms with the potential for high winds, rain, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.

 “I want to encourage all Nebraskans to continue to be very aware of changes in the weather tonight and during the next several days. Forecasters say there is a potential for more tornadoes and flooding, and we need Nebraskans to be alert to the warnings issued by emergency managers and local law enforcement.”

 The Nebraska State Patrol is urging motorists to stay updated on the latest weather and travel conditions using the state’s 511 Traveler Information System.

 Information on road closures, as well as road and weather conditions is available by dialing 511 from any landline or cellular phone. The system can also be accessed online at the state’s homepage, http://www.Nebraska.gov, by clicking on the “511 Traffic & Traveler Information” link in the Alerts & Services section of the page.

 Travelers outside Nebraska can check weather and road conditions in the state by dialing 1-800-906-9069.

 Gov. Heineman joined officials with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in an aerial tour of storm damage in central and southeastern Nebraska today. Many county roads are under water following yesterday’s storms and residents are encouraged to avoid any roadway covered with water.

 The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has storm recovery information posted on its Web site, http://www.dhhs.ne.gov, in the Hot Topics section of the page.

 NEMA officials are staffing the state’s emergency operations center today, and a command post is open in Ceresco after severe storms damaged property in the area last night.

 Gov. Heineman said, “This has already been a very active storm season. While many communities have had significant property and infrastructure damage, we’re lucky that there have been no serious injuries so far.

 “We will be ready to mobilize cleanup and recovery efforts in the aftermath of these storms, but for right now I’d urge our residents to put their personal safety first by having some basic emergency items on hand and staying alert until this storm cell moves through the state.”

 An emergency declaration is already in effect for Nebraska. Gov. Heineman declared a state of emergency following storms that struck the state beginning on May 22.