OMAHA, Neb. — The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley is warning drivers to prepare for potentially slick roads Thursday morning as snow and freezing rain move through parts of northeast Nebraska and far west central Iowa.
Forecasters say a slight chance of snow will develop early Thursday morning before transitioning to light freezing rain by mid- to late morning. The highest chances for icy precipitation are along the Nebraska–South Dakota border, including communities such as Hartington and Bloomfield. A light glaze of ice could make travel hazardous for the morning and midday commute.
Areas farther south, including Omaha and Lincoln, are expected to see lower chances of precipitation, but a few brief periods of light freezing rain cannot be ruled out. Portions of far west central Iowa could also see freezing rain as the system slides southeastward.
Motorists are urged to use caution and check updated road conditions before heading out to work or school Thursday morning. The Nebraska Department of Transportation provides real-time updates at 511.nebraska.gov, while Iowa conditions can be found at 511ia.org.
Even small amounts of ice can make roads, bridges, and overpasses slippery, especially during the early morning hours. The weather service advises slowing down, increasing following distance, and allowing extra time for travel.
Conditions are expected to improve by Thursday afternoon as temperatures slowly rise and precipitation ends.
