Nebraska DOT and State Patrol Cautions Drivers as Major Storm Impacts State

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I-80 Winter Storm

Much of central and eastern Nebraska looks to be in store for potential blizzard conditions from Wednesday night through Thursday, with dangerous travel conditions, including extreme cold, impacting travelers. Temperatures in some parts of the state will get no higher than -30 degrees along with potential wind chills of -70 degrees.

Nebraska DOT (NDOT) crews are prepared for another major snow event. While amounts of snow could fluctuate from several inches to 6 inches or more, concerns are for winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour, along with the dangerously cold wind chills.

The forecast is for snow to begin Wednesday morning, with the greatest impacts expected late Wednesday night through Thursday evening. The combination of extreme cold, strong winds and blizzard-like conditions could make travel dangerous Wednesday night through Thursday.

“While our crews at Nebraska DOT remain ready to address this winter storm and the different challenges, the
potential for extremely cold conditions is a concern for travelers,” said NDOT Director John Selmer. “Drivers are encouraged to be informed about weather and road conditions before making the decision to travel by checking 511.nebraska.gov and plows.nebraska.gov. If you must travel, be sure to make sure your vehicle is well maintained and stocked with a winter emergency kit. Also, remember to slow down, increase following distance, turn off your cruise control and always buckle up.”

“In addition to blizzard conditions in many areas, the entire state will experience dangerously cold
temperatures and wind chills the rest of this week, so it’s critical to keep a few things in mind if you’re
planning to travel,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If you become stranded, stay in your vehicle and call for help. Exposure in these temperatures is extremely dangerous. Our troopers and dispatchers will be available to help 24 hours per day if you call *55. Also, have a full tank of gas and winter survival items, including a phone charger, in your vehicle.”

The NSP Highway Helpline is available 24 hours per day at *55 or 800-525-5555 to speak directly with an
NSP dispatcher who can send help to any stranded motorist.

Travelers are advised to be alert, be aware and check the most up to date travel conditions available through 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System. The system is available at all times via phone by, online at www.511.nebraska.gov, Nebraska 511’s smartphone app or by dialing 511. Travelers are also encouraged to utilize NDOT’s Plow Tracker at plows.nebraska.gov where the public will be able to observe road conditions in real time from the cabs of NDOT snowplows. Please note that weather
conditions are often worse than they appear on camera.

Should travel be absolutely necessary, NDOT reminds motorists to be prepared with warm clothing, water
and food. Be sure to travel on well-established routes and notify someone when you are leaving for your
destination. If traveling a distance, a winter weather survival kit is advised with additional basic items.

If you must travel, do not drive faster than conditions allow. Surfaces will be slick under the snow and visibility may be poor. Allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

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