Hastings, NE – Drivers across Nebraska should prepare for potentially hazardous travel early Saturday as freezing rain, slick roads, and strong winds move into the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Hastings warns that precipitation will begin late Friday night as a mix of rain and freezing rain, with the highest risk of icing near and north of Interstate 80.
According to the National Weather Service, a glaze of ice is increasingly likely along I-80, including Grand Island, York, Aurora, and Kearney. Ice amounts around 0.01–0.05 inches are possible, enough to make bridges and overpasses slick before sunrise Saturday. While tree and powerline impacts are expected to remain low, road conditions could deteriorate quickly.
Forecasters say the freezing rain will transition to snow around or shortly after sunrise Saturday. Even minor accumulations may lead to blowing snow as strong northwest winds arrive by mid-morning. According to NWS Hastings, gusts between 35–45 mph will combine with falling snow to reduce visibility, especially during the late morning and early afternoon hours.
Snowfall totals remain on the low to moderate end, with most areas likely staying under 1 inch and higher chances for 4 inches or more focused north and east of Grand Island. However, even light snow paired with strong winds could cause localized white-out conditions.
Residents traveling Saturday morning should allow extra time, monitor conditions near I-80, and check updated forecasts as the storm evolves.
