Nebraska State Patrol issues winter weather warning

LINCOLN, Neb. — 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 Department of Transportation (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 NDOT 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.

With snowplows out on the roads, travelers are urged to be cautious and courteous to those operating them, making sure to:

· Slow down as you approach plows. They travel slowly, usually 25-30 miles per hour or less.

· Stay well behind plows to give you and them plenty of room. When traveling outside of a business or residential district, it is unlawful to follow a highway maintenance vehicle (snowplow, truck or grader) more closely than 100 feet when it is plowing snow, spreading salt or sand, or displaying a flashing

amber or blue light.

· Never pass a plow on the right – snowplows are equipped with “wing plows” which extend beyond the truck itself.

· Know where plows are and actions they may be taking while they plow snow.

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/