Tree branch knocks out power

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Roughly 600 customers were without power Thursday evening, after a tree branch damaged power lines and tripped a breaker near the 300 block of West L Street.

The power-outage occurred at 10 p.m. and primarily effected residents and businesses on the west edge of McCook, according to Brian Buhr, distribution superintendent for the Nebraska Public Power District in McCook.

Buhr commended the work of crews that were dispatched to repair the damage, as well as the quick response of the McCook fire department, who was first on the scene. Buhr said power was restored by 1:30 a.m.

Sheriff Gene Mahon said the CodeRED system was activated for the first time, making weather warning calls to subscribers. Gusts of nearly 70 mph were reported with the storm.