Troopers respond to hundreds of incidents as snow blankets Nebraska

LINCOLN - Nebraska State Troopers responded to more than 300 weather-related incidents Monday, Jan. 28 as record-breaking snowfall greatly affected travel throughout much of Nebraska.

As of 9 p.m. CT, troopers performed 313 motorist assists and responded to 28 crashes. Troopers remained active in the evening, continuing to respond to incidents on Interstate 80 and other major roadways. Travel was still not advised into late Monday.

Nebraska Department of Transportation plow crews were out in force all day and continued their work to clear the roads Monday night. Throughout the day, five NDOT plows were struck by other vehicles. None of those crashes involved injuries. Four of those plows were able to return to service and continue their work.

One crash forced the closure of eastbound Interstate 80 near Lexington for approximately three hours. The crash occurred at approximately 3:55 p.m., when a westbound Toyota pickup lost control, crossed the median, and struck an eastbound Honda Pilot. Eastbound traffic then slowed, but a chain-reaction crash occurred, involving several vehicles. Six people were transported to the hospital in Lexington, all with non-life-threatening injuries. NSP, the Dawson County Sheriff ’s Office, and volunteer fire departments from Cozad and Lexington all responded.

Motorists were urged to travel only when absolutely necessary during this storm. Motorists who needs to be on the road should alert others of their travel, destination and route. That information will assist rescue crews to locate the driver should they get stranded. Any motorist who becomes stranded should call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800525-5555.

For Tuesday, motorists were encouraged to assess travel conditions before attempting to travel. Monday’s snowfall is likely to have an ongoing effect on travel in many parts of the state as NDOT and local crews continue their work to clear the roads.

All motorists can check road conditions with Nebraska’s 511 system at www.511.nebraska.gov or on the 511 app.

NSP Above, the Nebraska Sgtate Patrol assists a trucker whose rig went off the road during Monday’s snowstorm. On Monday, the NSP responded to more than 300 weather related incidents.