Officials Urge Nebraskans to Prepare for Severe Weather
March 27, 2025 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — During a news conference at the Capitol on Thursday, Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring March 24-28 as Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week.
“When it comes to severe weather, it is important that all Nebraskans take weather warnings seriously and don't become complacent, said Governor Pillen. Flooding, fire and tornadoes — they all pose threats this time of year. Taking the time to be prepared can be a lifesaver."
NEMA Director, Adjutant General Craig Strong announced the winners of the annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest. Nebraska third graders provided tips for being prepared for disasters that can impact Nebraskans during the spring and summer. The top four students were recognized at the news conference.
First Place: Isabella Kaup, Fort Creek Elementary School, Bellevue, Sarpy County
Second Place: Kaylee Ramos, Fredstrom Elementary, Lincoln, Lancaster County
Third Place: Eliza Feilmeier, Holy Trinity School, Hartington, Cedar County
Fourth Place: Kora Nesbit, Two Springs Elementary School, Bellevue, Sarpy County
Honorable Mention
Karolyna Gallegos, Hayes Center Public School, Hayes Center, Hayes County
Nolan Fischer, Holy Trinity School, Hartington, Cedar County
Elle Vrooman, Doniphan Trumbull Public School, Doniphan, Hall County
Avery Kulhavy, Doniphan Trumbull Public School, Doniphan, Hall County
Meliana Bothma, Ainsworth Elementary School, Ainsworth, Brown County
Esme Iozier, Bluestem Montessori Elementary School, Lincoln, Lancaster County
Addalyn Goodell, Eisenhower Elementary School, North Platte, Lincoln County
Kaleb Nielsen, Bergan Catholic Elementary School, Fremont, Dodge County
Loni Powell, Ord Elementary School, Ord, Valley County
Other speakers who shared information about preparedness included National Weather Service (NWS) Warning Coordination Meteorologist Becky Kern, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Assistant Director Erv Portis and Interim State Fire Marshal Doug Hohbein.
Dawson County Emergency Management Brian Woldt, who coordinates the poster contest for Nebraska Association of Emergency Management (NAEM), presented the top three students with their awards. The first-place winner received a $125 gift card. The second-place winner received a $100 gift card, and the third-place winner received a $75 gift card. This year’s new sponsor, League of Nebraska Municipalities, awarded the fourth-place winner $50. The winning and honorable mention posters will be featured in NEMA’s 2026 Severe Weather Awareness Calendar.
For more information on severe weather awareness, visit NEMA’s website.