NSP, partner agencies assist hundreds of stranded motorists

NEBRASKA -- Weather conditions posed as dangerous driving conditions over this last week. While there were some places seeing whiteout conditions, authorities were still assisting stranded travelers. 

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) responded to more than 500 weather-related incidents during the winter storm and blistering cold temperatures.

The NSP said troopers performed 306 motorist assists statewide Thursday, as well as 211 statewide on Wednesday.

In many cases, NSP said troopers used their patrol vehicles to transport stranded motorists to safety and out of the cold. Most of the situations were along Interstate 80 or other highly traveled roadways.

“This week’s snow, ice, and cold have played a major factor in the ability to travel,” said Colonel John Bolduc, superintendent of the NSP. “Our troopers and dispatchers have worked together with NDOT teams and several other agencies to help and even rescue stranded motorists over the last two days.”

NSP said that one rescue happened Thursday evening in rural Dawes County, when dispatchers got a report of two motorists stranded on a county road near the South Dakota border.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach the motorists using track vehicles and plows, authorities said members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Search and Rescue were able to reach the motorists and transport them to safety using snowmobiles.

The NSP continues to urge anyone who becomes stranded to stay in their vehicle and call for help.

The Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline is available 24 hours per day by calling *55.

NSP dispatchers can send troopers to help or communicate with partner agencies across Nebraska and in neighboring states if necessary.

As travel increases Friday and through the weekend, NSP advises all motorists to check Nebraska 511 and have a full tank of gas and winter survival kit in their vehicle.