Snow and ice bring cancellations and road closure

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by Amy West

Story Created: Jan 30, 2013 at 12:48 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 30, 2013 at 12:58 PM CDT

Several schools got off to a late start Wednesday morning - and others closed - because of blowing snow and icy roads complicating the morning commute.

The icy conditions also led the Nebraska Department of Roads to close part of I-80 between the Aurora and York interchanges.

Department of Roads communications director Mary Jo Oie spoke with News 5 on the phone with an update on those travel conditions.

Amy: What are the biggest concerns on the roadways in Central Nebraska today?

Mary Jo: Well, I'm glad you asked because the normal winter seasonal driving conditions in Nebraska are totally icy, all covered, snow-covered. But the Department of Roads does have good news. Right now, we're getting ready to open I-80 between York and Aurora that was closed due to that ice-packed, blowing snow. And there were some trucks that were going a little too fast and did go off the road so we are getting that cleaned and we'll be opening Interstate 80. And we need to have everybody know it is very windy, blowing snow and it is still ice/snow packed and the road crews have been out there treating with liquid de-icer, but a lot of that blowing snow refreezes so people have got to know seatbelts on, cruise control off, slow down, place lots of room in front of you and the other automobile.

Amy: This is very common winter weather here in Nebraska. As we go throughout this season where do you recommend people go so they can stay updated with what's going on?

Mary Jo: The Nebraska Department of Roads and State Patrol does provide 511 which is a travel condition system. It includes phoneline and a website. 511 is what you can dial from many phone landlines or cell and on the website www.511.nebraska.gov and we try very hard to keep those conditions up to date as far as the road conditions and weather is updated every 15 to 20 minutes for whatever direction you're going.

We will, of course keep you updated on those road conditions here on News 5.

You can also find the latest travel information on the Department of Roads website, www.511.Nebraska.gov. ****** 11:40 AM UPDATE: I-80 between Aurora and York has been reopened.

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