Nebraska — Cracking river ice and fast-moving water are drawing attention across eastern Nebraska this morning. Along the Platte, Elkhorn, and Loup rivers, chunks of ice shift and grind, pushing water levels higher in minutes.
A Flood Watch remains in effect through late morning for areas around Omaha and east-central Nebraska. According to the National Weather Service in Omaha, persistent mild temperatures have increased ice movement, raising the risk of ice jams. If a jam forms, water can rise one to three feet quickly, especially in low-lying areas near riverbanks.
Early temperatures hover in the mid-30s, with calm to breezy northwest winds. Skies turn mostly sunny as the morning progresses, allowing temperatures to climb near 50 by afternoon. That warmth accelerates melting upstream, adding pressure to already unstable ice.
Counties along the Platte River valley, including Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington, remain the most vulnerable. Areas near Carter Lake, Bellevue, Papillion, and low crossings outside the metro should stay alert. Flooding can develop with little warning, even without rainfall.
Drivers should avoid parking or traveling near river access roads this morning. Water can spill over banks suddenly if ice shifts downstream. Residents with property near rivers should secure belongings and monitor conditions closely.
By Wednesday, skies stay mostly sunny with highs near 50 again. River ice continues to weaken. Thursday into Valentine’s Day brings mild, dry weather, keeping melting active. That pattern extends into the weekend, with highs reaching the lower to mid-50s.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures across the central Plains. While that hints at a gradual thaw, it also prolongs the ice jam flooding threat until rivers clear.
Live near the river? Have you noticed water rising or ice moving this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Omaha, Nebraska
• Today: Mostly sunny, flood watch, high near 50°
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, mild, high near 51°
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 54°
• Friday: Sunny, warmer, high near 53°
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, slight rain chance late, high near 52°
