LIVE UPDATES: Winter storm sweeps across Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Snow is hitting the Cornhusker State in a big way. Counties and major cities across Nebraska are preparing with travel warnings, weather alerts, and even snow emergencies. We’ll be updating this article throughout the day with road conditions, accidents, updates, and any urgent information.
*All times are Central
TUESDAY, January 26
4:33 p.m.
Here’s a look at accumulated snowfall from yesterday’s winter storm. The highest totals were across central Nebraska, where 7″ was reported in Custer County. #NEwx
Link to all of our snowfall reports: https://t.co/B9z3odkV6q pic.twitter.com/FM64B4juiC
— NWS North Platte (@NWSNorthPlatte) January 26, 2021
4;30 p.m.
The snow may have stopped, but the roads are still slick. If you have to travel today, go slow and keep plenty of room between you and the vehicles around you.
Today’s Theme: Clean-up.
Troopers have been busy again today, responding to another 150+ weather-related incidents. That’s on top of roughly 400 yesterday.
Thanks to our tow partners across the state for their work these last couple days.
Do them a favor and #MoveOver. pic.twitter.com/umxQPoOxoR
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 26, 2021
3:16 p.m.
Wowza! Only eight hours later, Nebraska roads go from pink (completely snow-covered) to blue (partially covered) and green (normal or wet).
A true testament to how hard the snow crews worked and continue to work.
Authorities still encourage Nebraskans to limit their travel and take winter driving precautions.
First image is 7:00 this morning, second is about 3:00 the same afternoon. Lots of progress! Please continue to travel safely and give plows their space! #NeRoads pic.twitter.com/oEWMacoBY7
— Nebraska DOT (@NebraskaDOT) January 26, 2021
Click here for the full 511 Map.
9:45 a.m.
NSP is reporting a jackknifed semi on I-80, just west of York.
🚨🚨Troopers are on scene with a jackknifed semi on Eastbound I-80 at mile marker 347, west of York.
Traffic is rerouted at mile marker 342 for the time being. 🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/xAywUfwLB7
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 26, 2021
9:37 a.m.
A heads up for Sarpy County, an exit ramp off US 75 is closed down due to a crash.
#SarpyCounty Check Nebraska’s 511 system: US 75 southbound exit ramp is closed due to a Crash. https://t.co/s4mfTg5Wfm pic.twitter.com/icGus7Ls1K
— Omaha Hwy Conditions (@NDOTomaha) January 26, 2021
9:35 a.m.
Seward snow crews will be working downtown today. Try to avoid the area until they are done clearing it.
SNOW UPDATE: Crews will go out and gravel roads today. Then they will continue downtown and remove wind rows. Please avoid downtown if possible and drive safe.#sewardNE #staysafe pic.twitter.com/F2qCwKKU7t
— City of Seward (@CityofSeward) January 26, 2021
9:31 a.m.
Looks like it’s done snowing in Hastings. Be careful shoveling!
Accumulating snow has ended, seeing some sun out there…we’d certainly appreciate any snow totals and winter wonderland photos you’d like to share! Be sure to include your location. #newx #kswx pic.twitter.com/tBaMofdvrD
— NWS Hastings (@NWSHastings) January 26, 2021
9:27 a.m.
If you are driving west on I-80, be aware that lanes from North Platte to Hershey are CLOSED because of a multi-vehicle crash.
🚨🚨I-80 Westbound is CLOSED from North Platte to Hershey (mm 179 to mm 164) due to a multi-vehicle crash.
Traffic is being diverted to Highway 30. pic.twitter.com/XEBpkZuZdf
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 26, 2021
MONDAY, January 25
9:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
The eastbound lanes of I-80 between Cozad and Lexington are now back OPEN.
I-80 is now OPEN in this area. Please be safe if you have to travel tonight. https://t.co/aC9EvXLft0
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 26, 2021
5:40 p.m.
This current swath of snow will continue through the evening, then gradually taper tonight. A second wave of snow showers will brush the area tomorrow afternoon. #NEwx pic.twitter.com/fKqh2QaEbL
— NWS North Platte (@NWSNorthPlatte) January 25, 2021
@NWSHastings conditions are deteriorating quickly in Clay County. Visibikity dropping to the point it is unsafe for our plow operators trying to work on the county roads.
— CLAY COUNTY EMA (@CCEMA30) January 25, 2021
5:08 p.m.
I-80 lanes from Cozad to Lexington are still closed, please avoid the area if you can. So far, NSP has assisted with more than 200 weather-related incidents.
5pm Update:
Troopers have responded to well over 200 weather-related incidents today. Travel is NOT advised as the heavy snow continues across much of Nebraska.
Eastbound I-80 remains CLOSED from Cozad to Lexington (mile marker 222 to 237) as emergency crews respond to a crash. pic.twitter.com/bWDuvliDtS
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 25, 2021
4:37 p.m.
Eastbound lanes on I-80, from Cozad to Lexington, are closed down due to an accident.
Eastbound I-80 closed at Cozad, Mile Marker 222, due to crash.
— Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) January 25, 2021
🚨🚨 I-80 EASTBOUND is CLOSED from Cozad to Lexington (mile markers 222 to 237) at this time due to a crash in the eastbound lanes. pic.twitter.com/2qkG2VLI8t
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 25, 2021
4:35 p.m.
… I spoke too soon
@Channel8ABC a little over 12 inches….my ruler is covered….at S.47th and Mohawk… my pic.twitter.com/nbwUUnVKV5
— retha dunn (@CornhuskerState) January 25, 2021
4:34 p.m.
Don’t blink or you might lose that ruler 👀
Near 14th and old Cheney pic.twitter.com/BK4J0hmtdu
— Julie Dansky (@JulieDansky) January 25, 2021
4:29 p.m.
Images from the 1/25/2021 snowstorm in Lincoln, NE. #newx #nebraska #snowstorm @NWSOmaha @Channel8ABC @JackMitchellLNK @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/zE7U6133aM
— Jeremy Bower (@jrbstorm) January 25, 2021
4:11 p.m.
Snow plows are out working and clearing snow off the highway. They remain very slick. Tractor trailers are now joining cars in the ditch. Slow down, buckle up, and if you can pull over and let this snow storm pass. Your safety and the safety of others is at stake!
— CLAY COUNTY EMA (@CCEMA30) January 25, 2021
4:00 p.m.
PSA: If you are out clearing snow from your drive and walkways, why not dig out that fire hydrant!
As you work on clearing your driveway/ sidewalks today, don’t forget about any nearby fire hydrants. If your 🏠 is on fire, SECONDS count. If the hydrant is clear when we arrive, time is saved and time is property. A fire can double In size every 30 seconds. @CityOfLincoln #LNK pic.twitter.com/CZO2QH6Uu9
— LNKFireRescue (@LNKFireRescue) January 25, 2021
3:20 p.m.
A big shout out to NSP! Thank you for keeping Nebraska safe.
3pm CT update:
Troopers have responded to well over 150 weather-related incidents today.
Snow is steady and heavy along the I-80 corridor from Omaha through North Platte.
Travel is still not advised. If you have to be out, let someone know where you’re going. pic.twitter.com/46i1xEEf0D
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 25, 2021
3:12 p.m.
The Village of Eagle’s Snow Emergency has been EXTENDED.
According to Village Clerk Nick Nystom, the declaration will remain in effect from 3 p.m. Monday until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Vehicle must be removed from all streets during this time.
2:00 p.m.
Looks like this storm won’t be going away any time soon.
A rare site on radar in NE and IA. The orange colors indicate some of the heavier snow rates in recent memory, likely approaching 3″ per hour. These colors are usually reserved for spring and summer, occasionally for areas of melting snow, but this is ALL snow today! pic.twitter.com/FiOq261aUx
— NWS Omaha (@NWSOmaha) January 25, 2021
1:47 p.m.
Looks like things are finally slowing down in Superior. One homeowner says they’ve gotten eight inches of snowfall!
Snow is finally starting to taper in Superior, Nebraska. 8 inches of new snow has fallen so far. #newx @NWSHastings pic.twitter.com/K7RNhBsbXj
— Bryce Kintigh (@stormchasrbryce) January 25, 2021
1:28 p.m.
There’s a crash approximately 250 yards in front of me on I-80 near MM 394 & you can’t see it. It’s extremely hazardous out. If you don’t need to be out the rest of the day then don’t. #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/pfKxtOU6hr
— NSP Trooper Cook (@NSPTrooperCook) January 25, 2021
My Lt. Would like to remind all oversized loads that Just for the record. These DO NOT BELONG ON THE ROAD DURING A BLIZZARD. Park your oversized CMV until conditions improve… pic.twitter.com/0ctLwJJsds
— NSP Troop C (@NSP_TroopC) January 25, 2021
12:35 p.m.
12pm update:
Troopers have performed more than 60 motorist assists and responded to a handful of crashes so far today. Driving conditions are very poor across most of east, southeast, and south central Nebraska.
Conditions are not expected to improve any time soon. https://t.co/U4gqCnFL6t
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 25, 2021
Numerous slide-offs on I-80 have kept troopers busy all morning and the snow is only expected to increase over the next few hours.
Do not attempt to travel in these conditions. pic.twitter.com/i37KkruMsA
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 25, 2021
11:27 a.m.
Officials across Nebraska are all sharing the same message- stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to travel, go slow and keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicles around you.
Visibility is low out there! We continue to advise against travel. Our plows are keeping up but we need your help by avoiding travel if all all possible. #NeRoads pic.twitter.com/0wxO0rn5HM
— Nebraska DOT (@NebraskaDOT) January 25, 2021
Troopers are out with a jackknifed semi at mm 397 of westbound I-80. No lanes affected. Slow down and #MoveOver. pic.twitter.com/YmE3Hm5T63
— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) January 25, 2021
Here is a look at the crash east of Fremont https://t.co/H39qBmgVvO
— 551CARS (@551CARS) January 25, 2021
Winds are going up and visibility is going down across Lancaster County. Deputy Stroeh just checked in from 14th & Raymond again where visibility is down to 1/2 mile. 👀❄️⚠️Please avoid travel today. #LNK911 #LNK pic.twitter.com/OtriiJ39Zv
— Lancaster County Sheriff Nebraska (@LSOnebraska) January 25, 2021
11:14 a.m.
Doug the weather dog is reporting about three inches of snow out in Columbus this morning. Great work Doug!
@NWSOmaha Doug reports 3 inches of snow in Columbus, NE at 10:45 AM. pic.twitter.com/0jy7MWOy9e
— Dougs mom, Libby (@efino87) January 25, 2021
11:00 a.m.
Shelley says Seward has gotten 4.5 inches of snow already! Sounds like good snowman weather.
4.5″ in Seward at 10:30am! pic.twitter.com/5ChcotSV3C
— Shelley Schulte (@shellmays) January 25, 2021
10:32 a.m.
One local out in west Lincoln is measuring 4.5 inches of snow this morning. Pack your snow boots if you’ll be out and about!
Approx 4.5” of snow on the west side of Lincoln, NE with heavy snow reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile at times. @weatherchannel @TWCChrisBruin @TWCAlexWallace @NWSOmaha #NEwx pic.twitter.com/ytCt1FGSgb
— Charles Peek (@CharlesPeekWX) January 25, 2021
10:14 a.m.
Looks like North Platte has less than 1.5 inches of snow this morning… they have some catching up to do.
We’ve gotten 1.4 inches of #snow so far at the office today! How much do you have where you are? #NEwx pic.twitter.com/ohlyV5i60H
— NWS North Platte (@NWSNorthPlatte) January 25, 2021
10:05 a.m.
Ashland has declared a Snow Emergency “effective immediately through Tuesday,” reports City Administrator Jessica Quady.
9:24 a.m.
Wowza. Hastings homeowners are already reporting four inches of snow this morning.
@NWSHastings Basically 4″ as of 915am in Kearney. pic.twitter.com/W7ry6yDojE
— Jerilyn Billings Wright (@chnablu) January 25, 2021
8:45 a.m.
Somewhere under all this #snow is highway 34 west of Seward. Current conditions are heavy snow & luckily light traffic since you can’t tell where the lanes are. If you don’t have to travel, please don’t. #winter #storm #NEwx #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/QGqkZGNFlh
— NSP Trooper Cook (@NSPTrooperCook) January 25, 2021
8:15 am – There are multiple accidents on I-80 near mile marker 442 eastbound. The right lane is blocked.
NSP Troopers and @SarpySheriff Deputies are currently handling a multiple vehicle accident on I-80 Eastbound at MM 442.
The right lane is block at the time. Please slow down and keep left. #TravelNotAdvised #NSPomaha pic.twitter.com/Jf4BMpJ3P2
— NSP Capt. Sutter 🇺🇸 (@NSP_CaptSutter) January 25, 2021
6:30 am – Here is a look at the road to Seward.
Somewhere under all this #snow is highway 34 west of Seward. Current conditions are heavy snow & luckily light traffic since you can’t tell where the lanes are. If you don’t have to travel, please don’t. #winter #storm #NEwx #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/QGqkZGNFlh
— NSP Trooper Cook (@NSPTrooperCook) January 25, 2021
5:20 am – City of Lincoln has 20 material spreaders out applying granular salt pre-wet with brine. Over the next several hours 100 city and contractor crews will begin a major plowing operation. Residential plowing should start around 9 am.
Sunday
8:50 p.m.
The University of Nebraska – Lincoln will be closed on Monday. In addition to canceled classes, offices and clinics will not be open.
This includes the COVID-19 saliva-based testing sites. All Monday appointments can be rescheduled for Tuesday.
For more information, visit covid19.unl.edu.
UNL will be closed on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 due to inclement weather. All classes/events are canceled and all offices/clinics will be closed.
Students should check Canvas for individual class and assignment updates. Visit https://t.co/NIrCD2kBf5 for more info.
— University of Nebraska-Lincoln (@UNLincoln) January 25, 2021
8:25 p.m.
Monday, January 25th, 2021 Seward County Offices will be closed due to expected winter storm coming through the area….
Posted by Seward County Sheriff Nebraska on Sunday, January 24, 2021
7:35 p.m.
Several school districts across Nebraska are calling off classes for Monday.
Visit our School & Business Closings page for a full list.
6:58 p.m.
Snow Emergency declared for Lincoln.
5:54 p.m.
Winter Storm Warning for Lincoln and Omaha goes into effect at 6 a.m. Monday. The warning will last until 3 a.m. Tuesday.
5:13 p.m.
No Snow Emergency for Seward County just yet, but it remains under a Winter Storm Warning.
Winter Storm Warning for tomorrow has been updated! Now expecting 8 to 14 inches of snow with 20 to 25 mph winds. Wind may gust up to 30 to 35 mph. Be prepared if you must travel and stay safe!
Posted by Seward County Nebraska Road Conditions on Sunday, January 24, 2021
5:00 p.m.
The City of Kearney Street Division announces that in anticipation of the snow event, a Snow Emergency is in effect…
Posted by City of Kearney Nebraska Government on Sunday, January 24, 2021
We will be in a snow emergency beginning at on January 24th, 2021, at 6:00pm and will start towing vehicles at 9:00pm. …
Posted by Crete Police Department on Sunday, January 24, 2021
Ok peeps, the #NWS has issued all 3 winter alerts. Here’s a review of what each one is and what we should expect this week.#informed #StayAtHome #snow pic.twitter.com/6EN8CmSZaj
— NSPTroopBLTs (@NSPTroopBLTs) January 24, 2021
According to the press release, the State’s most-traveled roadways, including 350 miles of I-80, are under some form of winter warning or advisory.“This storm has the potential to have a major impact on travel throughout the state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “The best way to stay safe during a winter storm is to make the important determination if travel is even necessary. If you have to travel, be prepared for adverse driving conditions and follow safe winter driving practices.”
Head up Omaha Metro! It looks like a major system will move through overnight & into Tuesday. Look for heavy snow & some wind which will make conditions hazardous. Travel is not advised for the duration of this storm. Stay up to date by following https://t.co/geEFzhhUTb! #NeRoads pic.twitter.com/TJx7lDK71z
— Omaha Hwy Conditions (@NDOTomaha) January 24, 2021
Sunday, January 24, 2021: Based on the forecasted snow, ❄️ the City of Beatrice has declared a Snow Emergency starting…
Posted by City of Beatrice, Nebraska – Municipal Government on Sunday, January 24, 2021
1:45 p.m.
Travel is discouraged in the Hastings area Monday evening.
Avoid travel if at all possible Monday. A strong winter storm is headed our way. #NEwx #KSwx pic.twitter.com/KvTIwr4vfa
— NWS Hastings (@NWSHastings) January 24, 2021
1:30 p.m.
The National Weather Service says the incoming storm will cause “major disruptions to daily life” across southeastern Nebraska.
Our Winter Storm Severity Index reveals that we’re expecting “major disruptions to daily life” across parts of southeastern Nebraska and southern Iowa due primarily to heavy snow. #NEwx #IAwx pic.twitter.com/v45dRNDjHX
— NWS Omaha (@NWSOmaha) January 24, 2021
1:28 p.m.
A Snow Emergency has been declared for the Village of Eagle in Cass County.
According to Village Clerk Nick Nystom, the declaration will be in effect from 12:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday.
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