Nebraska officials encourage caution while driving to holiday activities

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Officials across the state are urging everyone to stay safe as Nebraska gets pounded with a winter storm on Christmas.

Rain is starting to transition in Lincoln while most of the state has seen it’s fare share already.

The city of Lincoln said snowplows are applying granular salt pre-wet with brine to arterial streets and bridges as of 5:50 a.m. Lincoln Transportation and Utilities said streets are wet and close to freezing as temperatures continue to drop.

The Lancaster County engineer also said it’s monitoring rural roads right now. They said gravel roads are currently wet and muddy.

A Winter Storm Advisory is currently in effect until 9 p.m. Monday for Lancaster County.

Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of transportation have some tips to stay safe if you have to drive to any Christmas activities on Monday:

• 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.

NSP said drivers should make sure everyone in their vehicle wears a seat belt and children are in a car safety seat.

Also, officials said 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.

Channel 8’s weather team is following this winter storm and will have the very latest on social media and the Channel 8 website throughout the day.