Omaha, Nebraska – Gusts nearing 45 mph could sweep across eastern Nebraska and parts of western Iowa Thursday, toppling limbs and potentially knocking out power during peak afternoon hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, a wind advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Thursday for counties including Madison, Dodge, Platte, and Monona. Sustained west winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected, with isolated gusts topping 45 mph, especially in open and elevated areas.
Cities like Norfolk, Fremont, and Columbus should prepare for difficult travel conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Drivers along major corridors such as US-81 and US-30 should exercise caution and keep both hands on the wheel.
Loose outdoor items like trash bins, patio furniture, and lawn decorations should be secured early Thursday morning. Minor tree damage is possible, with a small chance for localized outages due to downed branches.
The advisory spans much of northeast and east-central Nebraska into western Iowa and includes communities such as Wahoo, Blair, and Onawa. Strong winds are expected to ease by early Thursday evening, but residents should stay alert for any updated alerts.
