Panhandle cities already shut down as winter storm arrives

With overnight snow totals of less than two inches, it is hard to say if today would have been a snow day.  As it is, schools, businesses, and government offices are closed today in observance of the New Years holiday.

While the timing does take away the traditional marker of how bad the storm is getting, it is good news for road crews and first responders.

Traffic is expected to be much lighter today than on a normal Monday, meaning snow plows can move quickly to remove snow from major thoroughfares. Scottsbluff, Gering and Terrytown, where the heaviest snow is expected, have all enacted snow emergencies until further notice. If you live in these cities you need to move your car off of snow routes. That too should be a smaller problem than usual as most cars will remain at home or on non-priority residential streets.

First responders are never under worked in a winter storm, but less traffic will mean a significant reduction in calls for service when in comes to roadway incidents. It may also lead to fewer road closures.

Of course, with everyone off the roads today and snow expected to wrap up in the panhandle between 7pm and 9pm tonight, tomorrow there should be a green light for offices and the schools that are scheduled to reopen with ease.