Winter storm closes roadways, schools

    A forecasted winter storm made its way into Chase County Tuesday, closing roads and schools and cancelling events.
    While the snow had moved out of Imperial by Wednesday morning, blustery winds remained, continuing the visibility concerns for drivers. Travel was not recommended.
    A Nebraska Dept. of Transportation news release Monday was correct in its forecast.
    It read: “Nebraska looks to be in store for a major blizzard from Monday night into Thursday morning, impacting travelers in western Nebraska with potential closures anticipated throughout the state.”
    Highway 6, west of the Colorado state line, was closed Tuesday and remained closed Wednesday morning. Highway 23 from Grant west to the Colorado line closed down Tuesday, but was back open Wednesday.
    I-80 was shut down in both directions Tuesday west of North Platte and into Wyoming and Colorado. The interstate west of Ogallala was still closed Wednesday morning.
    The NDOT reported I-80 was completely covered with mixed snow ice or slush and visibility was reduced.
    Highway 30 was also closed Tuesday west of North Platte.
    Karen Fanning, office specialist at the NDOT office in Imperial, said the area’s state highways were covered and blowing snow caused visibility concerns.
    Snow plows were dispatched at 4 a.m. Tuesday, she said, and were out all day until dark. They returned to Chase County Highways 6 and 61 Wednesday morning between 3-4 a.m., continuing to move snow and drifts.
    “Wind’s been the big issue,” Fanning said Wednesday morning.
    Conditions east of Wauneta were not as bad as roadways around Imperial, she said, although Highway 6 that direction had covered roads and ice.
    Ice and wind were issues contributing to an accident east of Enders Tuesday morning. In this area, it rained first overnight Monday before temperatures dropped and brought the snow Tuesday morning.
    Mike Francis, who reports weather to this newspaper, measured 2.5 inches of snow.
    Classes were cancelled Tuesday and Wednesday at both Chase County Schools and Wauneta-Palisade.
    Basketball games on Tuesday night schedules were also postponed, as well as all other school activities.

NDOT issues safe winter driving recommendations

    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 flashingamber or blue light.
    Never pass a plow on the right – snowplows are equipped with “wing plows” which extend beyondthe 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.