UPDATE: State Patrol helps over 100 drivers as conditions worsen on I-80, Highway 30

UPDATE:

Gusty winds and snow made for a dangerous combination in central and western Nebraska.

We have white out, we have icy roads, we have a number of vehicles that are stranded,” Nebraska State Patrol Col. John Bolduc said.

For a while Thursday, I–80 was closed westbound from Grand Island to North Platte and eastbound from Lexington to North Platte.

But they’re now open again.

Troopers responded to more than 100 motorist assists in central and western Nebraska.

“We do ask generally to just slow down, be mindful of the conditions and don’t add to the already dangerous weather conditions that are already out there,” Bolduc said.

You should also be on the lookout for road crews and snow plows.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation said make sure to keep your headlights on and keep your windshield clear.

“Our message is just to slow down,” said Ron Pughes of Adams County Emergency Management.  “Take your time, give plenty of room to the car in front of you. Make sure you have time to slow down and stop. There’s no rush on a day like today. If you don’t have to go out, then don’t go out.”

It’s against the law to follow too closely behind a plow.  You can pass one, but be aware: plows sometimes clear snow in tandem.

Officials said if you want to know about weather conditions, dial *55 on your mobile phone and you can get updates.

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The Nebraska State Patrol is asking people to stay off the roads, especially in western Nebraska.

“We have white out, we have icy roads, we have a number of vehicles that are stranded,” Col. John Bolduc said.

NSP said there are road closures westbound from Grand Island to North Platte and eastbound from Lexington to North Platte.

They said they’ve responded to more than 60 motorist assists in central and western Nebraska in the first half of today.

They said if you are driving, just go slowly.

“We do ask generally to just slow down, be mindful of the conditions and don’t add to the already dangerous weather conditions that are already out there.”

NSP said to also be on the lookout for road crews and snow plows who are working to make the roads passable, so be sure to give them a wide birth.

If you want to know about weather conditions, dial *55 on your mobile phone and you can get updates.

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The Nebraska State Patrol says parts of I-80 and Highway 30 were shut down due to poor driving conditions. 

As of 3:00 p.m. Thursday, the I-80 closure extended from North Platte to Grand Island westbound. 

NSP said Highway 30 was closed in the same areas. 

Both I-80 and Highway 30 eastbound were closed from North Platte to Lexington, according to officials. 

NSP had assisted over 100 travelers as of Thursday afternoon, and praised drivers for obeying the Move Over Laws as cars were towed across the state. 

A few accidents had been reported, including a semi that rolled near Grand Island. 

NSP said the driver was wearing a seat belt and suffered only minor injuries. 

Col. John Bolduc said the agency is prepared to continue efforts to help drivers, as poor driving conditions are expected to continue for 30 hours. 

You can find updated state road conditions by clicking here: 511 map.

Photo courtesy: Nebraska State Patrol