Blizzard warnings and winter weather advisories dominate the forecast today. National Weather Service Meteorologist Cathy Zapotocny says most of western and central Nebraska are in those warned areas and include the cities of Grand Island, Hastings, Lexington, Gothenburg, Norfolk, Wayne, West Point and Columbus.
Zapotocny says, “The heaviest snow amounts will be a little bit farther north across central parts and northern parts of the state where they have anywhere from eight to fourteen inches of snow forecast.”
Travel could be difficult. Zapotocny says as you head west on I-80 you will see more moderate accumulations and the very strong winds creating blizzard conditions. There are already warnings in effect. Winds of up to 55 mph will cause whiteout conditions and significant drifting with the amount of snow expected. There is also a concern of downed power lines to the strong wind and heavy snow.
It appears that far east Nebraska will be spared of heavy snow with about two expected in the forecast. Zapotocny says they will be dealing with their own weather issues today. She says. “In eastern Nebraska, isolated storms could develop. Where the fronts will be will be very important as far as where we have that turning in the atmosphere and where there is a potential for isolated tornadoes as well as other modes of severe weather like hail and damaging winds. We do look for that mid to late afternoon.”
Nebraskans are advised to keep close tabs on the weather throughout the weekend.
