Two people were killed Tuesday in a wreck two miles east of Grand Island, as snow and high winds swept across much of Nebraska.

State troopers responded to more than 300 weather-related traffic incidents during Nebraska’s latest winter storm.

Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said a westbound Chevrolet Trailblazer on I-80 lost control around 4 p.m., crossed the median and hit an eastbound semi-truck.

The occupants of the Chevrolet were from Lexington. Emelin Ortega Rodas, 25, and Daniel Ortega Marroquin, 62, were pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Wind gusts in excess of 60 mph were reported across the state — in Imperial, North Platte, Broken Bow, Valentine and Omaha, the National Weather Service said.

Thomas said overall, troopers responded to 28 crashes and performed more than 300 motorist assists on Tuesday. Additional troopers were called in to help on Tuesday evening.

Only light snow fell in western and much of central Nebraska, with no accumulation there; 2-5 inches fell in an area northeast of Stapleton to Butte near the South Dakota border. The largest reported amount was five inches about two miles west-southwest of Anselmo, the weather service said

The fierce winds made travel hazardous, and where snow fell, it created near white- out conditions. Around 4 p.m. visibility was limited to a quarter-mile in Broken Bow.

On Wednesday, Thomas said as roadways open throughout central and eastern Nebraska, NSP advises all travelers to exercise caution. Many slick spots remain, and strong winds still carried the potential of blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Check the Nebraska 511 system for updated road conditions and closure information. Any motorist who becomes stranded can call *55 to reach the NSP Highway Helpline.

More snow is forecast Thursday and Friday, March 6-7.

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