CHAPPELL - An early spring snow storm that's forecast to affect travel conditions and young livestock is expected to target western and central Nebraska Sunday night through early Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service office in North Platte. 

A blizzard warning is in effect from 6 p.m. MDT Sunday to 12 a.m. MDT Tuesday for western and north central Nebraska, including Deuel, Garden, Keith, Arthur, Perkins and Chase Counties. A total of two to eight inches of snow, and ice accumulations around a tenth of an inch, are forecast for the cities of North Platte, Chappell and Oshkosh.

The NWS says any rain from possible thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening will switch to snow - heavy at times - overnight.

"Strong northerly winds will create areas of blowing snow, rapidly reducing visibility, with whiteout conditions possible," the NWS said in a statement. "Travel conditions will be very difficult to near
impossible."

Strong winds, gusting up to 55 mph at times, could cause damage to trees and power lines.

Two to three inches of snow is forecast for Cheyenne, Morrill and Box Butte Counties, with 4 to 5 inches of snow expected in Dawes and northern Sioux Counties. These areas in the Nebraska Panhandle are in a winter weather advisory from 6 p.m. Sunday through 12 a.m. Tuesday. 

The National Weather Service office in Denver place Logan and Sedgwick Counties in a winter storm watch from Sunday evening through Monday morning. Sterling and Julesburg are forecast to receive three to six inches of snow.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation was advising to plan ahead of the storm on social media. They say to keep your vehicle's gas tank full and have a winter emergency kit in your car. However, the NDOT advises to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.

The system will continue to bring heavy, blowing snow concerns Monday through Tuesday, according to the weather service. With this system, a blast of cold air will bring subzero wind chills both mornings. The combination of wintry precipitation and subzero wind chills could impact young livestock.

This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel Nebraska for the latest. 

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