First round of Christmas snow hits Keith County; blizzard warning takes effect at 11 p.m. Sunday
Snow and gusty winds created winter driving conditions in Keith County Sunday morning.
By News Channel NebraskaLAKE MCCOUNAUGHY - Snow and gusty winds created winter driving conditions in Keith County Sunday morning.
As of 2 p.m. Sunday, the Nebraska Department of Transportation reported the majority of roads in the county were completely covered in snow, including Highway 30, Highway 26, Highway 92 and Highway 61.
Interstate 80 was partially covered in snow from Brule to Brady. It was completely covered in snow from Brule to the Nebraska-Colorado state line.
All roads remained open.
Holiday travelers planning their Christmas trips were advised by the weather service to make alternate plans Monday through Wednesday.
At least three accidents involving semi-tractor-trailers on Interstate 80 were reported around Ogallala and Brule. Limited information was available Sunday afternoon, but at least one driver suffered a leg injury.
Snowfall tapered off early in the afternoon with totals expected to be between one and four inches through Sunday evening. However, strong northwesterly winds gusting up to 45 mph will blow around snow and continue reduce visibility. A winter weather advisory was extended until 11 p.m. Sunday.
A high impact winter storm system is forecast to affect much of central and western Nebraska Monday through Wednesday. A blizzard warning, which includes Keith, Sheridan and Chase Counties, will take effect 11 p.m. Sunday through 5 a.m. Wednesday.
The National Weather Service office in North Platte says 12 to 20 inches of snow is expected across far north central and northeast Nebraska. The rest of the warned area is forecast to get six or more inches.
Persistent northwest wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph will lead to significantly reduced visibilities, blowing snow, and snow covered roadways.
Dawes, Sioux and Box Butte Counties were added to a winter storm watch from 5 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Wednesday. Blizzard conditions are possible for Chadron and Alliance. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches possible, according to the NWS. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Deuel and Garden counties until 5 a.m. Wednesday, where blowing snow may create near whiteout conditions at times.
Cheyenne, Kimball, Banner and Laramie Counties are in a high wind watch from 5 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Wednesday. West to northwest winds 35 to 45 MPH are forecast with gusts up to 60 MPH possible.
**
STORM CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS
ROAD CONDITIONS