By Macy Byars, Nebraska Public Media News
Nebraska-Heavy snowfall is likely in east central and southeast Nebraska starting Tuesday night into Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service’s Omaha/Valley station predicts up to seven inches of snowfall in some areas south of Interstate 80, along with wind chill temperatures below zero.
Winter storm warnings have been issued for most towns near the Kansas border. The southeast corner of Nebraska from Hebron up to Omaha could see between five and seven inches of accumulated snow. Places like McCook, Grand Island, Columbus and Tekamah could see between three to six inches.
David Pearson, a meteorologist at the Omaha/Valley NWS station said the winter storm is moving east across Nebraska.
“It’s already started to some extent out west,” Pearson said. “It’s getting going out there this afternoon, then spreading over the entire state by midnight and overnight.”
Northeastern Nebraska has also started to see up to four inches of snow. The winter storm stretches across Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri.
Up-to-date winter weather forecasts from The National Weather Service are provided on its website.
Pearson said the snowfall will be fluffier than recent snow events, but there are still risks.
“Lighter, fluffier snow will be easier to blow around, so that could result in some reduced visibilities.” Pearson said.
Pearson encouraged Nebraskans to exercise caution when driving.
“Allow for extra time to get where you’re going,” Pearson said. “Consider packing some basic winter things like blankets, shovels, extra clothing… Definitely the biggest thing is just go slower than you need to.”
Pearson said ice is not expected, but NWS anticipates the snowfall will impact Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
In an X post, The Nebraska State Patrol encouraged drivers to be safe and call *55 if they get stranded while travelling.
Freezing temperatures will also accompany the snowfall, dipping below zero with potentially dangerous wind chills.
“Wind chills really get cold,” Pearson said. “Negative single digits, negative teens look like a guarantee, and especially Thursday morning, probably some -20 wind chills out there across much of the state.”
Pearson said people should stay indoors if possible.
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities held a press conference to inform city residents about snow management plans Tuesday afternoon. Operations and Maintenance Manager Tim Byrne said Lincoln’s snowplows are on standby.
“Pre-treating in advance of dry blowing snow can, at times, cause snow to stick to the street rather than blowing across the pavement,” Byrne said. “Due to these conditions, city crews are prepared to plow snow and will again treat the streets with granular salt and pre-wet with brine as needed once snow begins to fall in our city.”
Bryne said emergency roads, bus routes, and main roads will be cleared first, followed by residential streets. He also warned Lincoln travelers about low temperatures.
“We are expecting some dangerously cold wind chills, so please pack your vehicle,” Bryne said. “Make sure you have appropriate safety gear if you run into some mechanical issues, and if you feel it’s safe to stay in your car and call for help, do so rather than exposing yourself to the elements.”
Lincoln drivers can check the city website for a snowplow tracker and updated advisories.
Facebook Comments