Venango, Nebraska

... Winter Storm Warning now in effect until 5 am MST Friday...

The Winter Storm Warning is now in effect until 5 am MST Friday.

* Timing... patchy freezing drizzle is expected tonight... with snow
developing during the daytime hours on Wednesday. Snow is
expected to persist through Friday morning.

* Snow accumulations... storm total snowfall of 5 to 8 inches are
likely across the Nebraska Panhandle and western sandhills by
Friday morning.

* Winds... east winds at 10 to 20 mph will become north and
increase to 15 to 25 mph through the day on Wednesday. Wind is
then expected to increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph
Wednesday night and continue through Friday morning.

* Impacts... periods of snow combined with strong northerly winds
will create dangerous travel conditions across western and north
central Nebraska. The strong wind will create near blizzard
conditions Wednesday night through Friday morning.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow
are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an
emergency. If you must travel... keep an extra flashlight...
food... and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Strong
winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or
impossible.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for western and north central
Nebraska tonight through Friday.

Preparations for a lengthy winter storm should be completed no later
than tonight.

The heavy snow and strong winds are likely. Travel could become very
dangerous or impossible Thursday through Friday morning. All travel should
be completed by nightfall Wednesday as weather conditions will be
worsening overnight... Thursday into Friday.

Heavy snowfall and strong winds frequently produce deep impassable
snow drifts... especially on east west roads. No travel should be
attempted on these routes during periods of heavy snow and strong
winds. Road closers appear likely in open country and rural areas.

By Friday morning snow drifts several feet deep could develop in
some areas blocking roads. Thus there is the potential for people to
be snowed in until Road crews respond Friday and throughout the
weekend.

During the storm you could lose power. At home you should have a
flashlight and extra batteries... a battery powered weather radio and
a portable radio. You might want to have extra food and water on
hand... as well as first aid supplies and extra prescription drugs. If
possible you should have an emergency heating source like a
fireplace... wood stove or space heater. Make sure proper ventilation
is used to prevent Carbon monoxide poisoning. You should also have
matches and candles readily available in case you lose power.

On The Farm or ranch... animals should be moved to sheltered areas if
possible. Additional storage of feed and water may limit the
potential deaths of animals during and after the winter storm has
passed.

If this storm unfolds as predicted... significant travel delays could
occur. Motorists should consider traveling before the storm begins.
Otherwise motorists should carry a winter survival kit in the
vehicle. The kit can consist of... blankets or sleeping bags... a first
aid kit... knife... high calorie food... extra clothing... a container of
water... shovel... windshield scraper... a tool kit... Tow rope... and
booster cables. If possible do not travel alone... and if you must
travel... let someone know your Route and timetable.
Weather conditions may become very dangerous or even life
threatening... if you are not prepared to take appropriate actions to
protect yourself and your family.

If you are caught outside... you should attempt to find shelter
immediately. If no shelter is available you should prepare a
windbreak for protection. Attempt to stay dry and stay awake. Cover
all exposed parts of the body. Exercise from time to time by
vigorously moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to
keep warm. Do not eat snow.

If you are caught in a vehicle... you should stay in your vehicle
unless shelter can be seen just yards away. Disorientation occurs
quickly in wind driven snow and Cold. Run the motor about 10
minutes each hour for heat. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not
blocked. Keep a window cracked to avoid Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light
when running the engine or tie a colored cloth on your antenna.

If you are at home or in a building... you should stay inside. If you
must go outside... dress warmly in several layers of light clothing
and remain outside for only brief periods of time.