(KLZA)-- During a special meeting of the Richardson County  Commissioners Thursday morning a state of emergency declaration was approved on behalf of Richardson County and all cities and villages within Richardson County.

The declaration was in response to the Wednesday winds storms that caused significant damage in the county. 

Power outages were reported in Falls City, Rulo, Barada, Verdon, Shubert and Salem.  Buildings were damaged, roofs were blown off and there was major tree damage reported. 

Of major concern is a metal roof that was blown off of the water treatment plant at Rulo which supplies water to Falls City and Falls City Rural Water customers. The roof blew into the tower where a number of controls for the water plant are housed.

Richardson County Emergency Management Agency  Director Brian Kirkendall has ordered two truck loads of bottles water from the Red Cross. Water customers are urged to conserve as much water as possible. 

Power poles were snapped off and power lines were down in Falls City and in the rural areas. 

The Omaha Public Power District line serving Falls City was heavily damaged.  It is anticipated OPPD will have the line repaired sometime Friday. 

Until then Falls City is generating its own power at the power plant,  but there have been some equipment issues due to low voltage, that delayed the restoration of power.  Wartzilla has been contacted and a tech will be helping resolve the issues with the newest generator.  A person from Farbe Mechanics is assisting and one from Nebraska  City is also helping.  

Currently the power plant has three engines running generating power for Falls City customers.  

Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring thanked the Auburn Board of Public Works for sending down a crew to help reset poles in the rural area and Falls City Utility customers for their patients while the repairs are being made.

Luhring also praised the local crews for their long hours of helping restore power.  

Residents are urged to conserve as much water and electricity until repairs are completed.