Following strong storms that moved through Lincoln early Thursday, city officials are reminding residents how to safely report storm damage and help crews respond efficiently. City officials say cleanup efforts are underway, with crews prioritizing the removal of debris from major arterial streets before moving on to residential neighborhoods.
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities reports that about 90% of the city’s traffic signals were functioning Thursday morning. Drivers are urged to treat intersections with non-functioning signals as four-way stops. Signals that are flashing yellow, flashing red, or completely dark may be affected by storm-related power outages.
Residents are also encouraged to remain alert for broken or partially detached tree limbs that may still be hanging in trees and could fall without warning. Residents are being asked to report debris blocking city streets or sidewalks to the Lincoln Police Department’s non-emergency line at 402-441-6000. Residents should not call 911 for debris reports.
Damage to public trees, including those located between the curb and sidewalk, can be reported to the City’s Community Forestry Section at 402-441-7847, extension 0, or through the UPLNK online reporting system. Lincoln Electric System is reminding residents to stay away from downed power lines and report damaged electrical equipment or downed lines immediately by calling 1-888-365-2412 or through the utility’s outage reporting website.
Residents can also use UPLNK to report storm-related damage to city infrastructure, including malfunctioning traffic signals and fallen street signs. The city says tree debris on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.
Residents can dispose of storm debris at the North 48th Street Transfer Station, where regular disposal fees apply. Some refuse haulers may also remove tree debris for an additional charge if it is properly bundled and prepared for pickup.
City officials say reporting damage through the appropriate channels will help crews address storm impacts as quickly and safely as possible.