Power outages, winter weather advisory hit Nebraska Panhandle

SIDNEY - Wheatbelt Public Power District reported power outages in the Nebraska Panhandle on Saturday due to ice accumulation on power lines.

In a post shared on social media, the district said the ice buildup is already causing disruptions and additional outages are expected as the ice sheds from the lines. Residents can monitor updates on Wheatbelt’s website, wheatbelt.com, under the outage map tab.

The outages coincide with a winter weather advisory currently in effect for the region. The National Weather Service has issued the advisory for the Nebraska Panhandle, northeast Colorado and far southeast Wyoming, effective until 11 a.m. Sunday. Snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 6 inches.

The weather service warned roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slick and hazardous, creating dangerous driving conditions. Low visibility due to snow could further complicate travel. Residents are advised to slow down, use caution on roads and take care on icy sidewalks and driveways to prevent falls and injuries.

Wheatbelt crews restored service by 4:15 p.m. As the winter storm continues, residents should prepare for potential intermittent power disruptions and remain vigilant for changing weather conditions. 

Weather information: road conditions, closings, power outages and alerts