Winter weather advisories issued for parts of Panhandle as snow,
Winter weather advisories are in effect for parts of the Nebraska Panhandle tonight into Thursday. Forecasters call for 3 to 6 inches of snow in Box Butte and Morrill counties, gusty winds and slick travel for the morning commute.
By News Channel Nebraska
SIDNEY, Neb. — Winter weather advisories and warnings have been issued across portions of the Nebraska Panhandle and north central Nebraska as a strong storm system moves into the region late Wednesday night.
The National Weather Service in Cheyenne issued a winter weather advisory for Box Butte and Morrill counties from 11 p.m. Wednesday to 11 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters expect widespread snow totals between 3 and 6 inches, with localized bands possibly producing more than 6 inches. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, leading to areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility.
The advisory includes communities such as Alliance, Hemingford, Bridgeport, Bayard and Redington. Officials said hazardous travel conditions are likely, particularly during the Thursday morning commute.
Farther east and north, the National Weather Service in North Platte has issued additional winter weather advisories from late Wednesday night through Thursday night for portions of north central, southwest and western Nebraska, including Garden County and Keith County. Snow accumulations in those areas are expected to range from 2 to 4 inches, with gusts up to 40 mph creating slick roads and possible blowing snow.
A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of central and north central Nebraska, where heavier snowfall of 3 to 8 inches is forecast, along with gusty winds and drifting snow that could make travel difficult.
Forecasters also noted scattered snow showers and occasional snow squalls along and west of the Interstate 25 corridor Wednesday evening, with moderate to heavy mountain snowfall continuing through Thursday above 8,500 feet.
Strong winds are expected to redevelop behind a cold front Wednesday evening and continue into Thursday morning, particularly in wind-prone areas.
Cheyenne, Kimball, Deuel and Laramie counties, as well as northeast Colorado, were not included in the current advisories.
Another storm system could bring light snow to portions of the region Friday, with colder-than-average temperatures lingering through Saturday.
Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution and check road conditions by calling 511 before traveling.