The winter weather and heavy snow is causing power outages across Nebraska.

U.S. Highway 34 was closed Saturday morning between Union and
Murray because of downed power lines. The closure is south of where Highway 34 meets U.S. Highway 75 in southeast Nebraska.

The National Weather Service had reports of power outages in McCool Junction, Crete, Fairbury and Friend.

LES has received over 3,000 calls and estimates 2,800 customers without power as of 3:30 p.m. Crews are working to restore power throughout the service area. To report an outage, call LES PowerLine at 888-365-2412.

82 LES crews are on scene and most of the reports are in Southwest Lincoln. LES Spokesperson Kelley Porter said they are not sure when power will be restored, crews are still assessing the situation.

LES reminds customers to keep away from downed power lines. Individuals using medical equipment that must have a constant source of electricity to operate should find alternative arrangements. If power is interrupted and there's a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

As of 12:30 p.m. Norris Public Power District had approximately 800 customers without power due to the winter storm that rolled through the area late Friday night and early Saturday morning. Outage numbers have grown since this morning as the conditions continue to get worse. The outages are being caused by the buildup of heavy, wet snow on the electrical lines, tree limbs falling on the lines and in some cases even breaking the District’s poles.

The District is battling very poor road conditions in the rural areas and visibility is also poor due to winds and continuing snowfall. The District began receiving outage calls around 4:00 a.m. and have been working since that time.

The hardest hit areas include Saline and Lancaster County; however we are now receiving outages from Jefferson and Thayer County as well. Areas currently without power include: Walton, Bennet, Hickman, Dorchester/Crete Area, Friend, Emerald/Malcolm Area, Panama, Denton, Kramer, Bruning, Daykin and Carleton. Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible; however the conditions are not making it easy.

OPPD reports 4,280 customers are out due to scattered power outages across southeast Nebraska AS OF 3:30 p.m. The utility expects this number to grow as more snow falls and the winds pick up. OPPD has called in additional field and dispatching crews to help with restoration. The heavy, wet snow that is causing the outages also is making it difficult for OPPD crews to get around. OPPD will continue to monitor the situation and adjust work crews accordingly.

Southern Public Power District is reporting 100 outages scattered throughout their service area. Friday night, 113 outages in the Grand Island area were reported.

SPPD also worked to restore power in the Holdrege, Cairo, Hastings and Hordville/Marquette areas. SPPD customers still without power are asked to call 888-484-2470.