Hastings, Nebraska – Travel could turn hazardous across central and eastern Nebraska late Friday into Saturday morning as a mix of freezing drizzle and light rain sets in, coating roads with a thin layer of ice.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, precipitation will arrive Friday evening primarily as freezing rain north of I-80. Ice accumulations will likely stay under one-tenth of an inch, but even light glaze could make roads and bridges slick from Columbus to York and into the Tri-Cities. Areas near Columbus may still see accumulating snow.
By early Saturday, winds will ramp up with gusts topping 35 mph, especially in areas that pick up snowfall. Blowing snow could further reduce visibility and complicate travel. Conditions will remain treacherous through Saturday morning, but improve by the afternoon as colder, drier air filters in overnight.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel Friday night and Saturday morning, particularly along highways and elevated surfaces prone to freezing first. The NWS emphasizes: if travel isn’t essential, delay until Sunday when roads are expected to be safer.
Winter advisories may be updated as conditions evolve. Strong winds and colder air will linger into Sunday.
