Downed power lines at La Vista intersection creates headache for drivers, businesses

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) — Traffic lights are out at the Giles Road and South 69th Street intersection in La Vista.

The reasons why lay just down the road: Poles snapped by the wind during Wednesday’s storm.

“We don’t know exactly what time we lost power,” said Megan Shonka, the owner of Happy Mango Bakery.

Shonka’s bakery is located right next to the downed lines. On Wednesday, the lights were out at her shop and Shonka was worried her refrigerated goods would spoil.

She’s relieved her power is back on and she’s open.

“This was pretty scary knowing the power poles were completely out, power lines were on the ground,” Shonka said. “We didn’t know we could get to the bakery to address it or fix the situation with our refrigeration.”

OPPD crews are outside trying to put the downed lines back up. They blocked off Giles road on both sides adding another headache to everyone nearby.

“I was driving around a little bit today trying to run some errands,” Shonka said. “It takes longer to do things.”

And Shonka is not alone, Chrissy Stephens who works at Bloom at JB’s Salon is also having issues.

“You’re trying to think wow I need to go here through the neighborhood and trying to remember where the other entrances are,” Stephens said.

Also, to get to Coffee Society Café, customers normally take Giles road. Now, they have to take the long way around 108th street. Katie Larandeau, like many, hopes it opens back up soon.

“Nebraska weather is really up and down you can’t really predict it all of the time, but for an entire street to be shut down that’s a little shocking to me,” Larandeau said.

The Papillion Police Department posted an update on the downed power lines on social media this afternoon. They don’t anticipate repairs will be complete until Friday.

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