By Cody Thomas,
Nebraska State Patrol
JANUARY 13, 2024 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — Several motorists who were stranded along Highway 92 in Saunders and Butler Counties have been rescued and are safe. The motorists became stranded during whiteout conditions Friday evening and Saturday morning. Drifting snow made it difficult for rescue crews to reach many of them for several hours.
As of 4:00 p.m. Saturday, all stranded motorists who had been in contact with NSP dispatch have been rescued. Officials with Butler County were able to get through the snow drifts on Highway 92 from the west. Crews were able to reach all stranded motorists and get them to safety. NDOT and NSP teams made their way through the drifts from the east and confirmed that all stranded motorists had been located. NSP dispatchers continue to receive calls on the NSP Highway Helpline from new motorists becoming stranded in eastern Nebraska and troopers continue to respond to those situations.
As of 5:00 p.m. Saturday, troopers have performed 173 motorist assists and responded to 6 crashes today. Since Monday, troopers have responded to over 1,000 weather-related incidents, including 996 motorist assists.
NSP and NDOT continue to advise everyone to stay off Nebraska roadways during these dangerous conditions. Snow continues to blow and cause additional drifting situations while temperatures are expected to remain below zero for the next few days, with dangerously cold
wind chills. These conditions are life-threatening.
Please avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Check 511.Nebraska.gov for updates on road
closures and current road conditions. The majority of roadways east of Highway 81 are either closed of currently impassable. If any motorist becomes stranded, they are urged to stay in their vehicle and call *55 immediately.