LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – With possible snow looming this weekend, the Nebraska State Patrol plans to have a lot of troopers on the roads.

On Friday, the patrol was “just kind of waiting for it to happen,” Trooper Madison Reynoldson said.

Having never driven in the snow, a Channel 8 reporter asked what drivers should prepare for to manage getting around.

Because the snow is so much later in the season than what most Nebraskans are used to, the state patrol is reminding everyone to double-check road conditions.

Reynoldson said you can check the 511 website to plan your route before you drive.

“If the weather is really bad, the first thing to do is make sure it is safe to drive outside; there’s times when it might be better just to stay home,” she said. “But you can always check 511 online, you can check the roadways that you’ll be traveling on, and it actually shows pictures and the conditions that those roads are in at that time.”

Some of the biggest pieces of advice the patrol wants to remind you about are to leave plenty of stopping distance between yourself and others, do not drive distractedly, and pay close attention to other drivers.

Keeping a close eye on your surroundings can be vital if you begin to slide.

Reynoldson also shared what essential items you should keep in your car to prepare for times like this.

“I would definitely keep gloves, coats, hats, extra water, food, for sure phone chargers,” she said. “That is one thing we see is that people that get stranded, their phone dies, and that is really our only communication with them.”

An ice scraper is also essential.

Channel 8 got to ride along with Reynoldson, who said the best thing to remember is to stay calm, accelerate slowly and think twice before getting on the roads.

The state patrol is available if you get stuck.

“If you get stranded or need help on the roadway, you can call *55, and that’ll get hold of the Nebraska State Patrol dispatchers, and they’ll send a trooper your way to help,” Reynoldson said.

On our Now Local News App, we asked what advice you have for Channel 8 reporters who are new to snow.

Winona said timing and controlling your speed are everything when it comes to driving in the snow.

“I am going to keep it real with you, it can definitely be scary,” she said. “I would advise you to leave early, take your time, and leave plenty of room for other drivers.”

Christopher shared the same advice.

“Go slow,” he said. “It took me a little bit of time to get used to driving here. Just like I said, go slow, assume there’s going to be ice on the road if there is snow on the roads. Potentially there is going to be ice hidden underneath so take it easy.”