Snow and wind shut down roads Monday night, schools on Tuesday

KEARNEY, Neb. - Interstate 80 is shut down in Central Nebraska as a severe winter storm continues to impact the region.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation says I-80 is closed in both directions from Grand Island to Lexington because of whiteout conditions. Highway 30 is considered impassable from Grand Island to Lexington.

The region saw at least four inches of snow on Monday and could see another few inches overnight. That snow is being blown around by wind gusts in excess of 40 mph in the evening. The NWS says wind speeds could reach as high as 50 mph overnight.

The Adams County Emergency Manager says the Adams County Roads Department pulled its plows and motor-graders off the roads because of poor visibility. The plows won't return to the roads until 7:00 a.m. The Phelps County Sheriff reported several wrecks and areas with zero visibility around 3:30.

In response to the conditions, many area school districts have already called off school for Tuesday. See our full list of closures here.