Omaha, NE – Strong winds will ramp up across eastern Nebraska beginning late Wednesday and intensifying early Thursday, creating hazardous travel conditions and the potential for scattered power disruptions.
According to the National Weather Service Omaha/Valley, breezy southerly winds will increase this afternoon with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph. A wind shift occurs overnight as a front passes through, allowing rain to develop behind the shift later tonight.
The strongest impacts arrive Thursday morning. Winds quickly strengthen from the northwest, with forecast gusts between 40 and 55 mph, and isolated peak gusts approaching 60 mph possible from 6 a.m. through early afternoon. Cities including Omaha, Fremont, Blair, Lincoln, Hastings, and Norfolk are all within the corridor expecting the strongest gusts, according to the detailed wind forecast.
Forecasters warn that unsecured outdoor items may be blown around, and downed tree limbs could result in scattered power outages. High-profile vehicles may face difficult driving conditions, especially on north–south routes where crosswinds will be most intense.
Along with the wind shift, light rain may move through parts of the region Wednesday night, tapering into early Thursday. Temperatures will fall behind the front, reinforcing windy, chilly conditions through the day.
Wind intensity is expected to gradually decrease Thursday evening, though breezy conditions may linger into Friday.
Residents are urged to secure loose decorations, check for storm-related updates, and use caution on the roads Thursday morning, particularly during commuting hours.
