I-80 Reopens After Heavy Snow Causes Crashes, White-Out Conditions

By: 10/11 News Email

Updated: Mon 5:52 AM, Mar 11, 2013

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Crashes, White-Out Conditions Force I-80 Closure - Kim Eiten Reports

From Jessica O'Neel. She's sitting in traffic on I-80 westbound and says she sees crashes all around her.

From Jessica O'Neel, who is stuck in traffic on I-80. Shows the dangerous conditions and stranded cars.

From Jessica O'Neel. Shows emergency vehicles and stranded cars and semi trucks.

From Jessica O'Neel on I-80

From Jessica O'Neel on I-80. She says this car is facing the wrong way and was damaged in a crash.

At 8:30 p.m. Sunday, an 80-mile stretch of Interstate 80 in Nebraska was re-opened after heavy snow and strong winds hit the region and caused numerous car accidents.

The Seward County Sheriff's Office said a bad crash at the Seward exit on I-80 caused traffic to be backed up for several miles earlier Sunday.

Before 5 p.m., The Seward County Sheriff's Office said crews cleared the cars involved in that crash off the interstate.

One caller said he'd been sitting in traffic in the westbound lane for more than an hour and a half.

No word on exactly what happened or if anyone is hurt.

They strongly advocate against travel unless necessary due to the extremely hazardous road conditions.

State Patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins says there were several reports of vehicles hitting the median or going into ditches. She says the closure was due to those reports, but also as a precaution because of whiteout conditions in the area.

NSP estimates indicate over 200 accidents have been reported along a 400 mile stretch of Interstate 80. Details about injuries or fatalities were not immediately available.

Scanner traffic indicates the vehicles which are still waiting in the back up have gotten into accidents and semi trucks have jack-knifed just traffic began moving, causing the roadway to be blocked again.

Crash Reported Near Seward Exit

The Seward County Sheriff's Office confirms there was a bad crash at the Seward exit on I-80. Traffic was backed up for several miles, Sunday.

One caller said he'd been sitting in traffic in the westbound lane for more than an hour and a half.

No word on exactly what happened or if anyone is hurt.

They strongly advocate against travel unless necessary due to the extremely hazardous road conditions.

Please use caution if you are traveling.

10/11 will have more details as soon as they become available.

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