Omaha, Nebraska – A strengthening fall storm is poised to sweep into eastern Nebraska and western Iowa Friday afternoon, threatening heavy snow, light icing, and blowing snow that could severely disrupt holiday travel across the Omaha metro and surrounding counties.
According to the National Weather Service Omaha/Valley, a Winter Storm Watch covers Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, Dodge, Colfax, Madison, Burt, Cuming, Stanton, Wayne, Thurston, Cedar, Knox, and nearby Iowa counties including Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, Monona, Harrison, and Shelby. The first round arrives Friday afternoon northwest of Omaha, with conditions deteriorating metro-wide Friday evening. Totals may reach 4 to 6 inches north and west of the city, with 3 to 5 inches possible across Omaha and Council Bluffs. A light glaze of ice may form beneath the snow.
According to forecasters, wind gusts could reach 40 mph at times, especially along the I-29 and I-80 corridors. Blowing snow may quickly reduce visibility near open fields west of Fremont, Wahoo, and Blair. The Friday evening commute is at risk for slick roads and slowdowns as snow intensity increases after sunset. Law enforcement and DOT crews warn of patchy ice forming early on bridges and overpasses.
According to Iowa DOT and NDOT, travelers should expect long delays and plan alternate timings around the storm window. Officials recommend delaying non-essential travel, keeping emergency kits in vehicles, and topping off fuel. Residents should charge devices, secure outdoor decorations, and protect pets as temperatures fall into the 20s Friday night.
