LINCOLN, Neb. — Following a severe thunderstorm that struck Lincoln in the early hours of Saturday morning, the city’s Transportation and Utilities Department has reported significant damage. Affected areas include 69 traffic signals, which are now either flashing yellow, flashing red, or completely dark due to power outages.
The department is actively assessing the situation to develop estimates for restoring normal traffic signal operation. Meanwhile, Lincoln Parks and Recreation is evaluating tree damage across the city and coordinating cleanup efforts to address any fallen debris.
As per the latest information from the Lincoln Electric System outage map, over 32,000 customers are currently experiencing power outages, with the central region of Lincoln, particularly near the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, being the hardest hit—over 2,400 customers are without power in that area.
Residents can access the Lincoln Electric System’s website for real-time updates on the power outage situation and check the Transportation and Utilities Department’s website for current street closures.
As authorities continue to handle the aftermath, the community is encouraged to stay updated and report any local news through the NOW Local News App, which also provides an opportunity for users to earn rewards for their contributions.
This storm serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural events. As cleanup and restoration efforts advance, the hope is for a swift return to normalcy for the residents affected.