SIDNEY - Confidence in a winter storm that could dump anywhere between 8-12 inches of snow, with the potential of 12-16 inches, across the Nebraska Panhandle and northeast Colorado early next week remained high Saturday morning, according to WeatherEye Meteorologist Nick Carlyle.

"I haven't seen winter storm watches issued this early in quite a while," Carlyle said.

The National Weather Service office in North Platte issued a winter storm watch for Arthur, Brown, Cherry, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Keya Paha, McPherson, Sheridan, Sioux and Thomas Counties from Monday night through late Wednesday night. Carlyle says these areas have the potential of seeing the highest amounts of snowfall from the approaching storm system. He expects other areas should see watches posted as soon as Saturday afternoon or Sunday.

"Late Monday night through very early Thursday morning is the current timing," Carlyle said. "The precipitation likely won't be falling consistently throughout that whole time period, but the system will be impacting a large area during that time."

Due to slightly warmer temperatures Monday night, Carlyle says the weather event will start with freezing drizzle, leaving a thin glaze of ice on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. 

"Then, the event will turn to heavy snow with the likelihood of blizzard conditions," Carlyle said. "Winds will be incredibly strong through the event, even during breaks in the precipitation. The strongest winds will be on Tuesday afternoon and evening, where gusts of 45-50 mph are possible."

Winds will diminish slightly on Wednesday, but gusts of 25-35 mph will still be possible, according to Carlyle. He says after the system passes, colder air settles in for the late week into next weekend, but conditions look dry.

Carlyle advises to start preparing for the significant storm system now. 

"Best way to prepare is to stock up on needed supplies and food before the storm hits," Carlyle said. "Be aware of the road conditions during the storm. Make sure your vehicle has a winter survival kit, comprised of extra winter gear, a blanket, jumper cables, a small flashlight, a first aid kit, a small shovel, a cell phone car charger, etc."

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ROAD CONDITIONS