Nebraska transportation officials have shut down a stretch of I-80 for the second day in a row after blowing dust once again led to reduced visibility and multiple crashes.
According to the latest information from the Nebraska State Patrol, I-80 is closed between mile marker 366 (Utica) and mile marker 379 (Seward).
Wind gusts of up to 53 m.p.h. have been reported in the area, resulting in “brown outs” and a multi-vehicle crash, according to the Omaha World-Herald. The number of vehicles involved in the crashes has not yet been released.
A few more pics of what is currently taking place out here at MM 373 on I-80 in Seward county. If you dont need to travel through Seward County right now, please don’t! #UseCaution #DustStorm #LivePD #live pic.twitter.com/RJWYHC1iW6
— NSP Trooper Cook (@NSP_TroopHQ) April 30, 2018
Nebraska State Police say that there are injuries as a result of the crashes, but the number and nature of those injuries is still unclear.
Officials are urging drivers to avoid the Seward County area if possible. Wind speeds of up to 55 m.p.h. are expected to continue through the afternoon and then die down to speeds of 20 -30 m.p.h. after 9 p.m. A dust storm warning is in effect for Butler, Lancaster, Saline, Saunders and Seward counties until 6 p.m.
This is what it driving along I-80 near 379 is like right now pic.twitter.com/dgjl4e0jnK
— Rachael Miner (@rachael_miner) April 30, 2018