2 weeks Ago By Andrew Bottrell [email protected]
Six inches of snow fell in Big Springs Wednesday morning, as a winter storm system narrowly missed North Platte. Champion also reported 4 inches of snow as the area transitions into more normal temperatures in November, compared to a warm October. October was the 13th warmest on record, according to the National Weather Service’s Lee Bird Office.
Remnants of Wednesday’s system brought light rain to North Platte Wednesday night, with a few snowflakes mixed in later in the evening as temperatures dipped into the mid-30s overnight into Thursday. The 0.15 inches of precipitation brought November’s seven-day total to 0.
27 inches, 0.12 inches more than normal. That contributed to 20.
55 inches of precipitation this year, also slightly above normal. Wednesday’s precipitation is foreshadowing a second system expected to roll in Friday night likely bringing significant rainfall across The Telegraph’s traditional coverage area. North Platte could expect a half to three-quarters of an inch of rain Friday through Sunday.
Areas farther south could see more and the Sandhills could see about a quarter-inch of precipitation, NWS meteorologist Chuck Richie said Thursday midday. “It’s looking like it could produce some pretty good moisture for the region,” he said. The system looks like a “pretty efficient rain producer.
” Eastern Colorado is expecting snow throughout Thursday and overnight into Friday, according to the National Weather Service’s Boulder, Colorado, office. Yuma, Kit Carson, Lincoln and Cheyenne counties in eastern Colorado were under a winter storm warning Thursday at midday, while Washington County was under a winter weather advisory. Any snow associated with the system in Nebraska would likely be seen in Chase County and far southwest Nebraska, but it will turn to rain as temperatures warm into the 40s Saturday across the region, Richie said.
Once that system moves through the area Saturday night into Sunday, Richie said, west-central Nebraska is expected to dry out next week. The forecast high in North Platte Sunday is 59. Seasonal temperatures with highs in the mid-50s are expected to continue next week.
Long-term forecasts for November show slightly above-normal temperatures, which Richie said means highs in the 40s and 50s. Dry conditions are also expected in the long-term forecast. A little early precipitation in November has not been enough to change the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s drought monitor for Lincoln County.
Areas south of the South Platte River are considered abnormally dry, while the area around the river are in moderate drought. Northern and northeastern Lincoln County are considered in severe drought. As are much of the Sandhills, including Logan, McPherson, Custer, Thomas and Hooker counties.
Most of Arthur County is in severe drought. Wednesday’s snowstorm came just in time for Winter Weather Awareness Day in Nebraska Thursday. State officials reminded Nebraskans that the Nebraska 511 map provides traffic cameras and winter road updates throughout the winter months.
The website also allows people to track the state’s snowplows. "Winters in Nebraska are known for being unpredictable,” Gov. Jim Pillen said in a press release Thursday morning.
“Just think back to January, and the impact that mounting snow, blizzards and cold had on travel, businesses, and ag operations across our state. When severe weather strikes, a little preparation can go a long way. Staying alert to changing conditions and knowing what tools are available can help mitigate the outcome of a bad weather event.
” The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency reminded people to be prepared when deciding to travel during winter months. Packing blankets and extra sets of dry clothing are important, as well as making sure you have a windshield scraper and a first aid kit in your car. A cellphone charger, jumper cables and a shovel are also recommended, the agency said.
If stranded in a car during a blizzard, NEMA advises people to stay in the car, call for help and wait for emergency vehicles and personnel. “Checking road conditions should be a part of your everyday routine,” NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis said in the release. “Knowing this important information can mean the difference between arriving at your destination on-time or not at all.
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