Omaha, Neb. – Blizzard conditions across northeast Nebraska and western Iowa Sunday are triggering dangerous travel and potential power outages.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. CDT Sunday for portions of northeast Nebraska and west-central to southwest Iowa.
Forecasters say additional snowfall of 1 to 3 inches combined with wind gusts reaching 65 mph will create widespread blowing snow and near-zero visibility in whiteout conditions.
The warning includes communities across Knox, Cedar, Pierce, Wayne, Antelope, and Thurston counties in Nebraska, as well as Monona and Shelby counties in Iowa. Cities listed in the alert include Wayne, Hartington, Pierce, Neligh, Creighton, Plainview, Randolph, Pender, Onawa, Harlan, and Mapleton, among others.
Meteorologists say the strong winds will continue to lift and redistribute existing snow, significantly reducing visibility even where snowfall totals remain relatively light.
“Travel will become very difficult to impossible due to whiteout conditions,” the National Weather Service said in the warning. Officials also warned that powerful winds may damage trees and lead to isolated to scattered power outages across the region.
Emergency officials urge residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If travel cannot be postponed, drivers should carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicle if stranded.
Road conditions across Nebraska and Iowa may change rapidly through the afternoon and evening as winds intensify and blowing snow continues.
Transportation officials say drivers can check updated road conditions by calling 511 in their state.
The warning remains in effect through 9 p.m. Sunday, when conditions are expected to gradually improve as winds weaken.
For college students, delivery drivers, and evening commuters across the region, the combination of wind and blowing snow could disrupt travel plans into the late evening hours.
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