The Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Transportation urge motorists to refrain from traveling, in response to the ongoing winter storm that continues to impact driving conditions across Nebraska.
The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings for much of western, central, and northeast Nebraska late Christmas Eve. A combination of heavy snow accumulation accompanied by high winds has created hazardous travel conditions that continue to evolve in western Nebraska. At this time, Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 30 are closed from Lexington, Neb. to the Wyoming state line. NDOT expects closures to continue to roll back from the Colorado and Wyoming border into Central Nebraska.
“The impact of this storm has only continued to grow over the last 48 hours,” said Vicki Kramer, Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation. “Closures, while inconvenient, are for the sake of safety. By closing roads along the main I-80 and Highway 30 routes, motorists have more options when it comes to lodging, food, fuel and medical services. We highly encourage those on the road now to review 511 and make a plan before nightfall.”
Do not attempt to travel in blizzard conditions as travel may be difficult to impossible. With high traffic due to holiday travel, resources could become depleted quickly. NDOT will continue to treat and plow roadways while working with the NSP and local emergency managers to ensure those traveling have the information and resources to make educated decisions.
“While we got our white Christmas, this is not the kind of gift you want to keep on giving,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We implore the traveling public to heed these closure by adjusting your travel plans and staying safe.”
Nebraska 511 continues to hold the most current information regarding travel across the state. Motorists can view live cameras to assess conditions, view of a map of road conditions throughout the state, check live radar to see the storm’s current location, view the locations of NDOT plows on the road, and access many more features.
If motorists become stranded, call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 to speak directly with an NSP dispatcher who can send help.
NSP and NDOT offer these tips for safe winter travel:
- Know before you go. Check 511.Nebraska.gov for road conditions and other valuable travel information.
- Have a winter survival kit in your vehicle with warm clothes, water, food, cell phone charger, and other items you may need if you become stranded.
- Have a full tank of gas before you leave town.
- Drive to the conditions. Winter storms can greatly reduce visibility and cause slick roads.
- Tell someone your route and expected arrival time.
- If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call for help.
- Don’t crowd the plow. Allow snow fighters the room they need to clear the roads.
Motorists are reminded to make sure everyone in their vehicle wears a seat belt and children are in a car safety seat. Do not use cruise control in wet or snowy weather and keep a full gas tank. For safe-driving tips and winter weather information, visit NDOT’s website, dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/winter.