North Platte, Nebraska – Heavy snow and 40 mph wind gusts are rapidly covering highways across central and north central Nebraska, with travel turning hazardous before the Thursday evening commute wraps up.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until midnight CST. An additional 4 to 7 inches of snow is expected east of Highway 83, including areas near Broken Bow, Burwell, Taylor and Bartlett. West of Highway 83, including Valentine, Gordon and Rushville, totals up to 2 more inches are likely. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will blow and drift snow, sharply reducing visibility in open country.
Road conditions are deteriorating along Highways 2, 20 and 83, especially across Cherry, Custer, Garfield and Wheeler counties. Blowing snow may create near-whiteout conditions on rural stretches and exposed bridges. Emergency managers warn stranded vehicles are possible if conditions worsen late this afternoon.
If you must travel, carry a flashlight, food and water in case you become stuck. Check Nebraska 511 for updated road closures and restrictions. Snow and wind will ease after midnight, but drifting and slick roads could persist into early Friday morning. Additional alerts remain possible if snowfall rates increase.
