Omaha, Nebraska – Wind gusts up to 45 mph and critically dry air will create explosive fire conditions along I-80 and across eastern Nebraska from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, prompting urgent warnings from local officials.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, a Red Flag Warning is in effect through 6 p.m. for much of eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa, including Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont and Council Bluffs. Strong southwest winds combined with low humidity will allow any grass or brush fire to spread rapidly and become difficult to control. Officials warn that fires could move quickly across open fields west of US-77 and along rural stretches of I-80 and I-29.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains to prevent sparks and delay any activity that could ignite dry vegetation. Fire crews remain on heightened alert through late afternoon as peak winds develop.
Conditions shift dramatically Thursday as a fast-moving system brings accumulating snow to the region. Snow is expected to begin between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., with the heaviest snowfall between noon and 6 p.m. Parts of eastern Nebraska, including Norfolk and areas north of Omaha, have a chance to see around 3 inches of accumulation. Roads may turn slushy and slick, especially in rural and untreated areas.
Travel impacts could intensify during the Thursday evening commute before snow tapers off around midnight Friday. Additional advisories may be issued as snowfall totals become clearer.
