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High winds responsible for several I-80 rollovers

High winds in Sidney and the surrounding area made travel unpleasant and dangerous Monday and Tuesday.

One semi blew over on Interstate 80 on Monday, according to the Nebraska State Patrol. Three more semis and two campers were toppled on the Interstate in Cheyenne County on Tuesday.

Another semi was blown into the median on the same day.

Although there had been no additional wind related incidents in the county at press time, the Cheyenne County Sheriff's office asked citizens to avoid all unnecessary travel as long as high winds continue.

"We're asking drivers to be extremely careful," said Cheyenne County Sheriff John Jenson.

Dirt blowing in irregular patterns out of fields in the county made travel in those areas somewhat treacherous.

"There's zero visibility in some spots," Jenson said.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for Cheyenne County on Tuesday. Sidney experienced continuous winds of around 35-45 miles per hour with gusts of more than 60 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service expects high wind speeds to continue into Wednesday with sustained speeds of 30-35 miles per hour in the afternoon and gusts up to 45 miles per hour.

The city of Sidney canceled trash pickup on Tuesday and Wednesday due to wind. This trash from these days will be picked up Thursday.

Greenwood Cemetery was closed to the public Tuesday due to wind-related safety concerns.

Multiple portions of the interstate were closed temporarily on Tuesday due to accidents blocking the roadway.

 

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