Over 70 truck drivers stranded in Kimball during the latest winter storm

KIMBALL Neb.-- The rumors of an impending population boom for Kimball came true on Tuesday night and into Wednesday as more than 70 truck drivers and countless motorists found themselves as guests of the city when both Interstate 80 and Highway 30 closed due to slick and snowy conditions.

While parking is at a premium with the extra semis filling off ramps, roadsides and parking lots, and some drivers even getting their rigs stuck trying to park where the ground was a little soft, most everyone seems to be good humored about the situation.

B.K. was driving from Illinois to Idaho when he was the first truck pulled off the Interstate on Tuesday night.  He originally stayed on the off ramp as he believed it would quickly reopen.

"Why close it when hardly any snow is falling? I was through here on January 2nd and it was far worse. You could only get through in one lane but it was open." B.K. said. He told us that most other drivers going west are going south on Hwy 71, which never closed during this storm, and using Hwy 14 to continue their journey.

"I'm going to wait a while, see what happens with the interstate before I do that," B.K. said with two more westbound drivers quickly agreeing.

"It's not that bad here," Gerald said. Gerald is on his way to California and says that while he frequently stops in Sidney while he is on this route, this is only his second time in Kimball.

"There is a cafe and a gas station, most everything I need is in my truck, so it is as good of place as anywhere to be stranded for a couple days," Gerald said.

It is unclear when the Interstate and Highway will reopen but the drivers that are now temporary residents of Kimball believe another day won't hurt anybody.