Nebraska panhandle, northeast Colorado, southeast Wyoming under blizzard warning
The National Weather Service office in Cheyenne upgraded the winter storm watch to a blizzard warning for the Nebraska panhandle, northeast Colorado, and southeast Wyoming early Monday morning.
By News Channel NebraskaSIDNEY - "Monday is the day to prepare." That's according to the National Weather Service ahead of a prolonged winter storm that's forecast to impact the Nebraska Panhandle, northeast Colorado, and southeast Wyoming early this week.
According to the Department of Transportation in Nebraska and Wyoming, travel should be avoided starting late Monday evening across the region. They say travel impacts ramp up overnight Monday and get worse through Tuesday.
Total snow accumulations are expected to hit between 12 to 16 inches, with higher amounts possible near Chadron and the north facing slopes of the Pine Ridge. Snow drifts as high as one to two feet are probable.
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only, according to the weather service. Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph will significantly reduce visibility and make travel very difficult to impossible. Local whiteout conditions are expected.
Prolonged cold temperatures will settle in after the storm passes. Wind Chills will drop below zero to the negative teens Tuesday morning & continue through at least Thursday. Frost bite could easily be possible for anyone one outside or exposed to these temperatures with out proper layering.
Sidney City Manager David Scott says city staff is constantly monitoring the details of the upcoming forecasted winter weather event and will issue any appropriate advisories and parking bans as necessary.
"All city streets snow removal and utility departments are on stand-by and ready to respond when needed," Scott said.
The NWS advises if you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
The blizzard warning is in effect from 5 p.m. Monday through 11 p.m. Wednesday. For more weather information, including road conditions and storm related announcements, log onto newschannelnebraska.com.
**
STORM CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS
ROAD CONDITIONS