SIDNEY, Neb. (NCN) - Five linemen from Wheat Belt Public Power District in Sidney left for York to assist with power restoration following the devastating blizzard that swept through eastern Nebraska this week. The crew expects to remain in York through Monday.

"Last year, we were down on our luck and needed help—now it’s our turn to pay it forward," Customer Engagement Manager Kelli Chaon said. "After our storm experience last April, we know what these systems and customers are going through and will do what we can to get them the help they need."

If additional help is needed after the weekend, Chaon says they'll send a relief crew down and swap out crews. 

Wheat Belt sent two bucket trucks, a digger truck, pole trailer, a framing truck and a service truck. They also took cross arms and some other miscellaneous material to help with the rebuild.

Perennial Power District, which serves York and Fillmore counties, reported widespread damage to its infrastructure. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 3,200 customers—41.7% of Perennial’s service area—remained without power. Crews are working around the clock to restore service.

Tens of thousands of Nebraskans lost electricity as the blizzard brought hurricane-force wind gusts, downing power lines across the state. At its peak, more than 202,000 customers across eight states were without power.

Blizzard conditions early Wednesday caused whiteouts, road closures and widespread damage, leading to a 442-mile shutdown of I-80 from Cheyenne to Lincoln and additional closures along I-29 near the Nebraska-Iowa border.