Ogallala prepares for around a foot of snow

OGALLALA - With the possibility of 11 to 17 inches of snow, the City of Ogallala prepared for the incoming winter storm by declaring a snow emergency Tuesday afternoon. 

Vehicles are prohibited from parking on snow emergency routes from 5 a.m. Wednesday through Thursday afternoon, according to a press release from the city. The routes can be identified by the red, white, and blue snow emergency signs posted every few blocks on the designated streets.

The Ogallala Police Department will begin checking the routes when the alert takes effect.

Officials also reminded businesses and residents that pushing snow into the streets violates city ordinance. They ask to pile the snow on their property instead and say snow piled in the street can impede drainage especially if it blocks a storm drain.

The City of Ogallala encourages residents to limit their travels until the inclement weather subsides and the streets are cleared. They say patience and cooperation help the snow removal crews complete their work in a more expedient and efficient manner.

A winter storm warning goes into effect for Keith County at 5 p.m. and will remain in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS says travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

For questions on which streets are included in the snow emergency, visit the Street Department link at the City’s website www.ogallala-ne.gov or call 284-6001.