North Platte, Nebraska – Snow will begin spreading across central Nebraska late tonight, with up to 8 inches possible by Thursday afternoon and gusty north winds creating blowing and drifting on open roads.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late tonight through Thursday afternoon for Blaine, Loup, Arthur, McPherson, Logan and Custer counties. Forecasters expect 4 to 8 inches of accumulation, with locally higher totals possible. North winds could gust up to 35 mph, reducing visibility and piling snow into drifts across exposed areas.
Communities including Broken Bow, Stapleton, Dunning, Arthur, Brewster, Tryon and Taylor are in the projected snowfall corridor. Open stretches of Highway 2, Highway 183 and rural Sandhills routes may see rapid accumulation and drifting, especially during the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
Blowing snow could create sudden whiteout conditions in open country. School transportation and agricultural operations may face delays. Drivers should consider adjusting travel plans, slow down on snow-packed roads and carry emergency supplies if travel is unavoidable.
Forecasters caution that snowfall totals could shift depending on the exact storm track. The watch may be upgraded to a warning later today as confidence in placement and totals increases.
