Record-Breaking Rainfall Leads to Significant Challenges in Lincoln
Lincoln experienced an unprecedented deluge on Wednesday, with rainfall reaching 6.15 inches at the Lincoln Airport, setting a new single-day record. This surpassed the previous high of 5.45 inches from 1910. In northern Lancaster County, rainfall reports exceeded 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
The intense rainfall prompted the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities’ wastewater division to take emergency measures by temporarily diverting wastewater from the Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility directly into Salt Creek. The department noted in a news release that this diversion lasted approximately four hours.
As a result of the heavy rains, several park and trail areas in the city were closed due to active flooding or related damage.
On Thursday, the Lancaster County Board declared a local emergency, enabling the use of existing emergency funds and opening the door for state assistance.
Elsewhere, Douglas and Saunders counties reported rainfall totals exceeding 8 inches, while Sarpy and Washington counties saw more than 7 inches of rain.
High water levels also led to the closure of Nebraska 370 in both directions from 36th Street to U.S. 75 on Thursday morning.
