Nebraska Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Weather Impacts

nebraska Businesses and Non-Profits Qualify for Disaster Assistance Following Economic Injury Declaration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEBRASKA SUFFERS ECONOMIC INJURY: DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Nebraska businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and non-profit organizations impacted by recent economic injury can now access critical disaster assistance. Teh U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared disaster numbers 212096 for physical damage and 212100 for economic injury,making these entities eligible for low-interest disaster loans.This declaration specifically targets economic injury, providing a vital lifeline to entities that have experienced financial setbacks due to the disaster. The available loan rates highlight the SBA’s commitment to supporting various sectors. Businesses with existing credit elsewhere can secure loans at an 8.000% interest rate, while those without readily available credit will find options at 4.000%.

Non-profit organizations are also included in this relief effort. Those with credit available elsewhere will receive assistance at a 3.625% interest rate, mirroring the rate for non-profit organizations without credit available elsewhere, underscoring a commitment to equitable support.

Furthermore, business and small agricultural cooperatives that have experienced economic injury and lack access to other credit sources are eligible for loans at a 4.000% interest rate. Non-profit organizations facing economic injury without other credit available will also benefit from the 3.625% rate.

The designation of Nebraska as the affected state for this Economic Injury Disaster loan (EIDL) declaration is supported by the authority outlined in 13 CFR 123.3(b). These efforts fall under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59008.Evergreen Insights for Business Resilience:

This declaration serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness for all organizations, irrespective of size or sector. Understanding the types of disaster assistance available, such as physical damage loans versus economic injury disaster loans, is paramount. Economic injury loans, in particular, can be a vital component of a complete business continuity plan, helping to bridge operational gaps and maintain solvency during prolonged recovery periods.

For businesses and non-profits, proactive measures like establishing strong relationships with financial institutions and understanding eligibility criteria for government assistance can substantially expedite recovery in the event of a disaster. Diversifying revenue streams and maintaining adequate insurance coverage also play a critical role in building overall resilience. As federal agencies like the SBA continue to provide support, staying informed and prepared is the most effective strategy for navigating unforeseen challenges and ensuring long-term viability.

What specific state resources are activated when a state of emergency is declared in Nebraska?

Understanding the Current Emergency

On July 31, 2025, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency for several counties across the state, responding to widespread damage caused by a series of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and confirmed tornadoes. This declaration activates state resources to assist local communities in recovery efforts. The impacted areas are primarily in eastern and central Nebraska, with reports of significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and private property. Key terms related to this event include Nebraska weather emergency, severe storms Nebraska, state of emergency Nebraska, and Nebraska flooding.

Specific Impacts & Affected Areas

The severe weather system brought:

Torrential Rainfall: Many areas received over 6 inches of rain in a matter of hours, leading to rapid flash flooding. The Platte River and othre waterways are experiencing considerably elevated levels.

Confirmed Tornadoes: The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed multiple tornadoes touched down, with the most significant damage reported near Columbus and Fremont. Tornado damage Nebraska is a critical search term currently trending.

Widespread Power Outages: Over 50,000 homes and businesses are currently without power, primarily due to downed power lines and damaged substations. Utility companies are working to restore service, but estimates vary widely depending on the extent of the damage.

Agricultural Losses: Nebraska’s vital agricultural sector has been heavily impacted. Fields are flooded,crops are destroyed,and livestock are threatened. This poses a significant economic challenge for the state. Nebraska crop damage and Nebraska livestock losses are crucial related searches.

Road Closures: Numerous roads and highways are closed due to flooding and debris. The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is providing updates on road conditions.

Specifically, the following counties are currently under a state of emergency:

Butler County

Colfax County

Dodge County

Platte County

Saunders County

Stanton county

Washington County

State & Federal Response Efforts

The state of emergency allows Nebraska to access additional resources, including:

National Guard Activation: The Nebraska National Guard has been activated to assist with search and rescue operations, debris removal, and security.

Emergency Funding: The declaration unlocks access to state emergency funds for immediate relief efforts.

Federal Assistance Request: Governor Pillen has requested a federal disaster declaration from President Biden, which would provide access to additional federal funding and resources. This includes potential FEMA (federal Emergency Management Agency) aid.FEMA disaster relief Nebraska is a key phrase to monitor.

Coordination with Local Authorities: The Nebraska emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is coordinating with local emergency management agencies to assess damage and provide support.

Safety Precautions & Resources

Residents in affected areas are urged to take the following precautions:

Avoid Floodwaters: Do not drive or walk through floodwaters. Even shallow water can be perilous. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is a crucial safety message.

Power Outage Safety: Treat all downed power lines as live. Report outages to your utility company. Use flashlights instead of candles.

Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather reports for updates. The NWS website (https://www.weather.gov/) and local television stations are excellent sources of facts.

Report Damage: Report property damage to your local emergency management agency. This information is crucial for assessing the overall impact and securing disaster assistance.

critically important Resources:

Nebraska emergency Management Agency (NEMA): https://nema.nebraska.gov/

National Weather Service (NWS): https://www.weather.gov/

Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT): https://dot.nebraska.gov/

FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/

Ancient Context: Nebraska Severe Weather Patterns

Nebraska is prone to severe weather, notably during the spring and summer months. The state’s location in “Tornado Alley” makes it susceptible to tornadoes, while its flat terrain and proximity to the Missouri River contribute to flooding risks. In 2019, historic flooding devastated much of eastern nebraska, causing billions of dollars in damage.Understanding these Nebraska weather patterns is vital for preparedness.The 2019 floods serve as a stark reminder of the