Power Restoration Efforts Continue in Nebraska 

The Lincoln Electric System (LES) is regrouping this morning as it continues its four-day efforts to restore power to southeast Nebraska following a severe snowstorm during the past weekend. 

LES officials estimate that some 20,000 customers are still without power despite all-out efforts to correct the situation. To cope in the short term, crews will focus on getting power to every house, even if it means rigging up temporary connections. The utility's new strategy focuses on restructuring the way crews are organized and sent out to the field. The large number of downed trees has hampered efforts to quickly restore all residential power. 

LES has now organized "supercrews." Each workgroup includes tree removal workers and linemen who will stay in a neighborhood until the power if fully restored. 

The American Red Cross (ARC) reports it is operating a total of eight shelters - three in Lincoln housing 143 residents last night and five in Omaha that housed 206 persons on Tuesday, October28. 

FEMA's Region VII office in Kansas City, Missouri is maintaining close contact with State emergency officials and has a FEMA liaison officer in place at the State Emergency Operations Center.