North Platte, Nebraska – Snow and 40 mph wind gusts are creating slick highways across western and north central Nebraska this afternoon, with travel impacts expected before the Thursday evening commute ends.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight CST, with up to two additional inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 40 mph. The advisory covers much of the Panhandle and west central Nebraska, including North Platte, Ogallala, O’Neill, Ainsworth, Arthur, Oshkosh and Chappell.
Blowing snow is reducing visibility along stretches of Interstate 80 near Ogallala and Big Springs, while highways across Holt, Brown and Rock counties are turning slick as fresh snow accumulates on untreated roads. In Lincoln County, wind-driven snow is drifting across rural routes, especially on east-west roadways.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking. Nebraska 511 reports changing road conditions, and officials urge motorists to check updates before heading out. Winds will gradually ease after midnight, but icy spots could linger into early Friday morning as temperatures remain below freezing. Additional advisories may be issued if conditions deteriorate overnight.
