Snow exceeds expectations in Panhandle

KIMBALL, Neb. -- The second winter storm in less than a week brought more snow than expected to some parts of western Nebraska.

Storm spotters reported ten inches of snow falling near Kimball on Wednesday. The snow fell along with wind gusts over 30 miles per hour, which created whiteout conditions at times.

Gering, Scottsbluff, Oshkosh, Ogallala and Bridgeport all received five inches of snow by the end of the day Wednesday. Sterling, Peetz and Pine Bluffs each got eight inches. 

The weather shut down highways in neighboring Colorado and Wyoming, which meant Interstate 76 and U.S. Highway 385 into Nebraska were closed, as well.

The snow was mostly limited to the Panhandle, with the storm tapering off before landing in central Nebraska. But while western Nebraska may have gotten the brunt of the snow, the entire state was dealing with bitter cold and wind chills overnight and into Thursday morning.

Forecasters were calling for feels-like temperatures ranging from minus-20 to minus-30 degrees in some places, particularly in the northern half of the state, though all of the Cornhusker State was dealing with uncomfortable temperatures mid-week.

It is cold enough that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. 

Several winter weather and wind chill advisories continued into Thursday morning and will remain active until late Thursday night.