Hastings, NE – Hazardous travel conditions are reported across much of central Nebraska this morning as freezing drizzle leaves roads partially to completely ice-covered in several areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, road conditions deteriorated early Saturday due to freezing drizzle, causing widespread slick and icy surfaces. Updated road maps show numerous highways and secondary roads marked as partially or completely covered, particularly west and northwest of Hastings.
Areas with the most significant impacts include routes near Kearney, Lexington, Broken Bow, Holdrege, Loup City, Ord, and Grand Island, where untreated roads may be especially dangerous. Some stretches are marked with travel not advised conditions, indicating elevated risk for motorists.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation urges drivers to delay non-essential travel if possible. Those who must be on the roads should reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to check Nebraska 511 or Drive.Nebraska.gov for the latest road conditions before heading out, as conditions may change rapidly through the morning hours.
Officials warn that even roads that appear wet may be coated with a thin layer of ice, making them deceptively dangerous. Conditions are expected to improve later today as temperatures rise and precipitation tapers off.
Additional updates will be issued as road and weather conditions evolve.
