More than 100 motorists rescued amid blizzard conditions in Nebraska, authorities say

Authorities said they rescued more than 100 motorists during the bad weather. (Nebraska State Patrol)

More than 100 motorists reportedly got help from Nebraska authorities after getting stuck in blizzard conditions on Friday.

The bad weather affected drivers in the western portion of the state on Interstate 80 and other highways, the Nebraska State Patrol said in a news release.

Several departments – including the Nebraska State Patrol, Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office and Sidney Police Department – reportedly combined their efforts to clear stranded vehicles and rescue drivers.

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Buses from the Sidney Public Schools were brought in to assist in the rescue, authorities said. (Nebraska State Patrol)

Authorities said vehicles were particularly affected in two spots on I-80 near Sydney and school buses from the area were brought in to help the rescue efforts.

“One section was more than a mile and a half long and the other was estimated to have at least 50 vehicles,” the release said.

Law enforcement officers also reportedly checked on every car and helped to free drivers from the harsh conditions.

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Authorities said they went around and knocked on all the cars and helped free drivers inside. (Nebraska State Patrol)

“In addition to the large-scale rescues, troopers have responded to more than 80 motorist assist calls during the storm,” the release said.

At least one person, 61-year-old Rollo Ward of Idaho Falls, ID, was killed after “the semi he was driving eastbound lost control, entered the median, and struck a semi that had previously become stranded,” authorities said.

Parts of the interstate remained closed Saturday as driving conditions continued to be “poor to impassible” in central and western areas of Nebraska, authorities said.