Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 6 am CST Friday...
Winter Storm Warning in effect from 6 am Friday to noon CST Saturday...
Rest of Tonight
Mostly cloudy. Lows around 1. Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Wind chill readings 8 below to 18 below zero.
Christmas Day
Very windy. Snow likely. Areas of blowing snow. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Highs around 13. Northwest winds 20 to 35 mph increasing to 35 to 40 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 55 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. Wind chill readings 10 below to 20 below zero.
Friday Night
Very windy. Cloudy. Snow likely until midnight... then chance of snow after midnight. Areas of blowing snow through the night. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Storm total snow accumulation of 1 to 4 inches. Near steady temperature around 7. Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts to around 55 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
Saturday
Windy. Areas of blowing snow in the morning. Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Highs around 17. Northwest winds 20 to 35 mph.
... Winter Weather Advisory now in effect until 6 am CST Friday... ... Winter Storm Warning in effect from 6 am Friday to noon CST Saturday...
The National Weather Service in North Platte has issued a Winter Storm Warning for blowing snow and snow... which is in effect from 6 am Friday to noon CST Saturday. The Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect until 6 am CST Friday.
* Timing... only a dusting of snow is expected tonight over Logan and Custer counties. Northerly winds of 20 to 30 mph... with gusts to 35 mph... will combine with existing snow cover... to reduce visibilities tonight. Snow will begin to fall on Friday morning... and continue into Saturday. Snow will combine with winds of 25 to 35 mph... with gusts to 50 mph... to produce near whiteout conditions.
* Snow accumulations... storm total accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are possible. Heaviest accumulations are expected in northeastern Custer County.
* Winds... north winds of 20 to 30 mph... will increase to 25 to 35 mph... with gusts to 50 mph Friday and Saturday.
* Impacts... windy conditions will cause widespread blowing and drifting of the existing snow on the ground and with the additional snow that accumulates... near blizzard conditions are expected Friday and Saturday. Travel will become extremely difficult. Dangerous wind chills of 10 to 20 below zero will develop Friday and Saturday.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Weather Advisory for blowing snow means that visibilities will be limited due to strong winds blowing snow around. Use caution when traveling... especially in open areas.
Local Storm Report
12/24/2009 0828 am
Mason City, Custer County.
Snow m1.5 inch, reported by co-op observer.
The coop observer in Mason City reported 1.5 inches of snow with lots of wind.
12/24/2009 0915 am
Broken Bow, Custer County.
Non-thunderstorm wind gust m44.00 mph, reported by ASOS.
The ASOS station in Broken Bow recorded a 44 mph wind gust at 0657 am CST.
12/24/2009 0700 am
Anselmo, Custer County.
Snow m2.0 inch, reported by co-op observer.
The official coop observer in Anselmo reported 2 inches of snow thus far from the storm.
12/24/2009 0915 am
Broken Bow, Custer County.
Non-thunderstorm wind gust m44 mph, reported by ASOS.
The ASOS station in Broken Bow recorded a 44 mph wind gust at 0657 am CST.
12/24/2009 0828 am
Mason City, Custer County.
Snow m1.5 inch, reported by co-op observer.
The coop observer in Mason City reported 1.5 inches of snow with lots of wind.
12/24/2009 0700 am
Anselmo, Custer County.
Snow m2.0 inch, reported by co-op observer.
The official coop observer in Anselmo reported 2 inches of snow thus far from the storm.
12/24/2009 0828 am
Mason City, Custer County.
Snow m1.5 inch, reported by co-op observer.
The coop observer in Mason City reported 1.5 inches of snow with lots of wind.
12/24/2009 0700 am
Anselmo, Custer County.
Snow m2.0 inch, reported by co-op observer.
The official coop observer in Anselmo reported 2 inches of snow thus far from the storm.
12/23/2009 0730 PM
Mason City, Custer County.
Snow e1.0 inch, reported by co-op observer.
12/23/2009 0730 PM
2 miles se of Anselmo, Custer County.
Snow e1.0 inch, reported by co-op observer.
12/23/2009 0730 PM
2 miles se of Anselmo, Custer County.
Snow e1.0 inch, reported by co-op observer.
12/23/2009 0730 PM
Mason City, Custer County.
Snow e1.0 inch, reported by co-op observer.
Public Information Statement
Statement as of 4:07 PM CST on December 24, 2009
... Winter storm warnings and blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of western and north central Nebraska...
Possible impacts and safety rules are listed below...
Heavy snowfall and strong winds frequently produce deep impassable snow drifts... especially on east west roads. Travel should not be attempted on these routes during periods of heavy snow and strong winds. Road closures are possible in open country and rural areas.
By Saturday... snow drifts could develop in some areas blocking roads. There is the potential for people to be snowed in until Road crews can respond.
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.
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.