National Weather Service
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning and wind chill advisory effecting parts of east central and southeast Nebraska.
- WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THURSDAY TO NOON CST FRIDAY
- WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT THURSDAY NIGHT TO NOON CST FRIDAY
- WIND CHILL WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING
Regarding the Winter Storm Warning, National Weather Service Meteorologist Michaela Wood told KLIN News to expect heavy snow with total accumulations between 5 and 8 inches. Winds are expected to gust as high as 45 mph.
Regarding the Wind Chill Advisory, Wood said we can expect very cold wind chills… as low as 20 below zero.
As for the Wind Chill Watch, dangerously cold wind chills are possible, as low as 35 below zero.
“Thursday night into Friday is really going to be our next chance of some very impactful winter weather,” said Wood, “A lot of southeast Nebraska will receive another amount of measurable snow like we had earlier this week. About four to six inches is what it’s looking like right now.”
Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
“It’s going to be cold and it’s going to be windy, especially Friday morning, wind gusts could be in the upper 30 to almost 40 mph,” Wood warned, “A lot of blowing snow, some reduced visibility is certainly possible through the overnight hours and into early Friday. That’s our big concern.”
Wood advises travelers to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
Just when it sounds bad enough, Wood said “It doesn’t stop there… we’re going to have some very windy conditions and dangerous temperatures throughout the weekend. We have wind chills through a lot of eastern Nebraska that reach down into the negative 40s. Sunday night is going to be the worst of it, but our wind chills remain below zero from pretty much Friday morning through Tuesday.”
“It’s going to be a nice long bit of cold weather ahead.”