North Platte, NE — A winter weather advisory warns of snow, ice, and strong winds across western Nebraska through Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, the advisory begins midnight CST Friday (11 p.m. MST Thursday) and continues until noon CST Saturday across portions of north central, southwest, west central Nebraska, and the Panhandle.
Forecasters expect mixed precipitation with total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches, with locally higher totals possible. A light glaze of ice may also develop in some areas.
Winds could gust as high as 45 mph, which may produce areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility, particularly in open rural areas.
Counties included in the advisory include Sheridan, Cherry, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Arthur, McPherson, Deuel, and Keith, along with surrounding communities such as Valentine, Ogallala, Gordon, Rushville, Oshkosh, Chappell, Paxton, and Thedford.
The National Weather Service warns that roads may become slick and hazardous, especially during periods of snow and ice accumulation.
The timing of the system could impact both Friday morning and Friday evening travel, as gusty winds combine with snowfall to reduce visibility and create drifting snow on highways.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution while traveling. Nebraska officials recommend checking Nebraska 511 for the latest road conditions before heading out.
Hazardous weather like this can also affect rural commuters, students, and workers traveling long distances across western Nebraska.
