Posted 154 days ago – National Weather Service
Winter Storm with blizzard conditions across most of South Central Nebraska and North Central Kansas.
A strong upper level low pressure system will eject out of the central Rockies, and cross the Central Plains through tonight. Moderate to heavy snow will continue to fall through the evening and into tonight, before coming to end by Thursday morning. Storm Total Snowfall accumulations are expected to range from 3 to 10 inches across the local area, with the heaviest amounts generally along and south of the Platte River in South Central Nebraska. In addition to falling snow, strong north winds with sustained speeds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts to 45 mph will result in considerable blowing and drifting of snow as well as poor visibilities, resulting in blizzard or near blizzard conditions at times. This will make travel hazardous through the evening and into the first part of the night, before conditions gradually improve from west to east overnight.
Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 3 am CST Thursday.
A Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 3 am CST Thursday.
- Snow accumulation: storm Total Snowfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are forecast by late tonight, with locally higher amounts possible.
- Timing: snow will into continue into tonight before ending from west to east by Thursday morning.
- Winds: North at 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 45 mph.
- Impacts: The heavy snow combined with the strong winds will result in considerable blowing and drifting snow, and create White-out conditions at times. Travel will be difficult if not impossible through the evening and into tonight, especially in open areas.
Recommended actions
A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to Whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
Excerpted from ready.gov Before:
- Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
- More about:
- What to do before winter storms and extreme cold.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
- Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
- Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
- More about:
- What to do during winter storms and extreme cold.
What is a Blizzard Warning?
WatchWarning
Issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less. These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours. Source: weather.gov