CHADRON, Neb. -- With cars and trucks taken off the roadways due to blizzards in the Panhandle, some folks have spent the bulk of the week in Nebraska hotels.

Staff at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Chadron said it's not the first time they've dealt with people being stranded due to severe weather, and people's moods up is paramount.

“The best thing we can do is just try to have conversations with our guests and see what they need, just make those connections so they’re not as bored," said front desk worker Kari Noble.

General manager Janelle Winkelman said part of keeping people positive is making sure they're fed, something that becomes a challenge when nearby roads and restaurants are closed.

Winkelman said her staff prepared meals to ensure guests were able to eat during their lengthy stays.

“We’ve been through some storms in the past where we do know that the restaurants in town all close up, and when you think about people not having the ability to figure something out because everything is closed, we’ve learned that it’s just best if we have that plan in action to put some soup on or sandwiches. We don’t want anyone to be hangry.

Both Winkelman and Noble said the small community of guests spent time playing games with each other and connecting during their long nights waiting out the storm.