Valentine, Nebraska – Travel across north central and western Nebraska could become hazardous before sunrise Thursday as heavy snow and gusty north winds move in late Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon for Sheridan, Cherry, Grant, Hooker and Thomas counties. Snow totals of 4 to 8 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts in parts of north central Nebraska. North winds may gust up to 35 mph Thursday, leading to blowing and drifting snow.
Communities including Valentine, Gordon, Rushville, Hyannis, Thedford and Mullen could see snow-covered highways and sharply reduced visibility during the Thursday morning commute. Open stretches of Highway 83, Highway 20 and rural county roads are especially prone to drifting as winds increase.
Drivers should prepare for difficult travel, consider adjusting Thursday plans and monitor updated forecasts. Blowing snow could continue into Thursday afternoon, prolonging hazardous road conditions.
The storm’s track and snowfall totals may shift slightly over the next 24 hours. Additional advisories or warnings are possible as confidence in snowfall amounts increases.
