(KLZA)--Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has declared an emergency in southeast Nebraska following heavy rain and severe flooding.

Record-setting rainfall was reported across the region, with some flooded roadways requiring the rescue of stranded motorists.

Pillen toured the affected area Thursday with Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director Erv Portis, members of the Nebraska National Guard and other officials to survey the damage.

The emergency declaration allows the state to use additional resources and directs state and federal agencies to work with Nebraska Emergency Management.

NEMA is working with FEMA, the Small Business Administration and the Natural Resources Conservation Service as damage assessments are completed.

Those assessments will help determine whether assistance will be available to individuals, businesses and others affected by the flooding.