NSP, NDOT Urge Drivers to Stay Home and Off the Roads
The Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Transportation are urging motorists to refrain from traveling due to the ongoing winter storm that is impacting driving conditions across Nebraska.
Winter Storm Warnings and Road Closures
The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings for western, central, and northeast Nebraska. Heavy snow accumulation combined with high winds has created hazardous travel conditions, particularly in western Nebraska. As a result, Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 30 are closed from Lexington, Neb. to the Wyoming state line. NDOT expects more closures in Central Nebraska as the storm progresses.
Vicki Kramer, Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, emphasized that the closures are for the safety of motorists. By closing roads along major routes, such as I-80 and Highway 30, travelers have more options for lodging, food, fuel, and medical services. Kramer advises those on the road to review 511 for the latest information and to plan accordingly.
Inconvenience for Safety
It is strongly recommended to avoid traveling in blizzard conditions as it may be extremely difficult or impossible. With holiday travel already increasing traffic, resources could become depleted quickly. NDOT will continue to clear and treat roadways in collaboration with the Nebraska State Patrol and local emergency managers to ensure that travelers have the necessary information and resources for informed decision-making.
Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, Colonel John Bolduc, urged the public to heed the closures and adjust their travel plans accordingly. Safety should be the top priority during this winter storm.
Tips for Safe Winter Travel
Nebraska 511 provides the most up-to-date information on travel conditions throughout the state. Motorists can access live camera feeds, check road conditions on a map, view the storm's location on live radar, and track the locations of NDOT plows. In the event of getting stranded, motorists should call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 for immediate assistance.
To ensure safe winter travel, NSP and NDOT offer the following tips: Check 511.Nebraska.gov for road conditions and travel information before heading out. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle with essentials like warm clothes, water, food, a cell phone charger, and other necessary items. Maintain a full tank of gas before leaving town. Adjust your driving to suit the conditions, as winter storms can reduce visibility and create slippery roads. Inform someone of your planned route and expected arrival time. If stranded, stay with your vehicle and call for help. Give snowplows enough space to clear the roads. Remember to buckle up and ensure children are in appropriate car safety seats. Avoid using cruise control in wet or snowy weather, and regularly check the NDOT website dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/winter for safe-driving tips and winter weather updates.
