1 dead, over 100 rescued in Nebraska spring blizzard

Nebraska State Patrol Troopers and public safety partners rescued more than 100 stranded motorists from two major backups on a highway in western Nebraska on Friday. Photo courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol.

April 14 (UPI) — One person has died and more than 100 people have been rescued from a spring blizzard that hit Nebraska.

The Nebraska State Patrol reported that Rollo Ward, 61, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was pronounced dead at the scene after losing control of his semi tractor-trailer, which slid into the median and a stranded semi-truck on Interstate 80 in western Nebraska on Friday.

More than 100 motorists were stranded amid blowing snowfall, low visibility, and slick roads. Troopers in collaboration with the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Cheyenne County Emergency Management and other workers and snow plows rescued the stranded individuals and vehicles.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Rob Cox told the Star-Herald the blizzard, which came from a disturbance to the south, should taper off Saturday, and then rising temperatures should melt the snow.

Cox added that snow storms are not that unusual in the area in April and may also occur in May.

Nebraska State Patrol Troopers told people to stay off of Interstate 80 from Kearney to Grand Island Saturday due to the blizzard conditions Photo courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol

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