Weather
Nebraska Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Storm Dangers
Lincoln, NE – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Nebraska. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, Octob
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-27T08:02:33.458Z
Lincoln, NE – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Nebraska. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose serious threats to travel, electricity and communities during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes on contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Ice accumulation can make roads hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity.
How Dangerous Can Nebraska Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks extremely slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions.
Nebraska experienced a destructive ice storm in December 2006, when heavy ice accumulation damaged trees and electrical infrastructure, leaving numerous communities without power.
Drivers traveling Interstate 80, Interstate 76, U.S. Highway 81 and U.S. Highway 83 should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly across exposed rural highways.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another serious winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing flooding upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase this risk, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Platte, Elkhorn, Loup, Niobrara and Missouri rivers can face ice jam concerns during winter warmups and spring breakup.
Nebraska experienced catastrophic flooding in March 2019, when rapid snowmelt, heavy precipitation and river ice contributed to widespread flooding across eastern portions of the state.
How Nebraska Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts and river conditions through the NWS Omaha/Valley office , NWS Hastings office and NWS North Platte office .
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing preparation before ice storms, power outages and river flooding threaten Nebraska communities.