Cody Thomas
Nebraska State Patrol
MARCH 24, 2024 (NORTH PLATTE, NEB.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation and the Nebraska State Patrol are urging travelers to be prepared for dangerous winter driving conditions expected over the next few days. A winter storm will impact much of the state beginning tonight.
The National Weather Service is projecting several inches of snow across western and central Nebraska, with strong winds and bitterly cold temperatures. A Blizzard Warning has been issued for an area ranging from southwest to northcentral Nebraska, effective from 7:00 p.m. CT today through 1:00 a.m. CT Tuesday.
“This winter storm will create dangerous driving conditions across a large portion of our state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers and dispatchers are prepared to help, but before you attempt to travel during this storm, please consider whether travel is absolutely necessary.”
Do not attempt to travel in blizzard conditions. Travel may be difficult to impossible. Should you become stranded, it may be impossible for help to reach you until the blizzard ends.
If travel is necessary, check the Nebraska 511 system for valuable information regarding travel across the state. Motorists can view live cameras to assess conditions, view 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.
“NDOT’s snowplow crews will be out as the conditions allow it but the public are reminded to slow down, wear your seat belt and never pass a plow if you choose to travel,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer.
NDOT will treat roads as appropriate, taking into consideration the different variables that could be present in the varying types of precipitation predicted in this storm.
If any 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, http://dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/winter.