As extreme winter weather continues to pummel Nebraska, the state finds itself buried under several feet of snow, prompting Governor Jim Pillen to declare a state of emergency. Photos shared with Newsweek reveal the extent of the winter storm's impact, showing massive snow piles towering over vehicles in eastern parts of the state. Residents are being urged to stay home, with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) reporting over 1,700 miles of state highway closures due to impassable road conditions.

According to state officials, Nebraska is grappling with a combination of heavy snowpack, blowing snow, and subzero temperatures. The recent snowfall, ranging from 7 inches to up to two feet in certain areas, coupled with strong winds, has resulted in snowdrifts several feet deep. The hazardous conditions have left more than 100 drivers requiring assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) on Saturday alone.

Vicki Kramer, director for NDOT, emphasized the importance of staying off the roads for both personal safety and to facilitate the work of road-clearing crews. With a sustained operation underway to clear Nebraska's roadways, Kramer stated that the process would take longer than usual. She urged residents to remain at home and off the roads to ensure the safe and efficient completion of snow clearing efforts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe weather alerts for the state, including wind chill warnings and winter storm warnings. The NWS cautions of "dangerously cold" temperatures plunging as low as 45 below zero, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 35 mph, resulting in blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility. Exposed skin is vulnerable to frostbite in as little as 10 minutes in such conditions, highlighting the life-threatening nature of the extreme weather.

Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) has been overwhelmed with stranded motorists, responding to nearly 1,000 calls for assistance since the severe weather hit the state on Monday. NSP Public Relations Director Cody Thomas warned against unnecessary travel and advised people to check 511 for road conditions and closures before setting out. Thomas emphasized that if individuals become stranded, they should stay in their vehicles and call for help, as exposure to the extreme cold can pose a serious risk to life.

The wintry conditions in Nebraska coincide with severe weather hitting many parts of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for major winter storms expected to continue from Saturday through the Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday on Monday. Nebraska joins a significant portion of the country in facing these challenging weather conditions, further underscoring the need for caution and preparedness during this extreme winter event.