BEATRICE, Neb. - As an early spring blizzard grips southeast Nebraska, conditions have left over 16,000 residents without power. 

According to Norris Public Power CEO Bruce Vitpsh, as of about 4:00 p.m., most of the outages in the six-county coverage area consist of residents in Thayer, Saline, Seward, and Lancaster County. About 1,000 NPP customers remain without power in Gage County. 

Vitosh says issues consist of downed power lines and and poles due to high winds and ice buildup on wires. Currently, about 200 poles are down. 

Until blizzard conditions and high winds subside, NPP may continue to experience outages. Lineman will work into the overnight hours, picking up work Thursday morning. Mutual aid will be present to assist. 

NPP reminds customers downed power lines are energized and to call 1-800-858-4707 to report downed lines.