Snowfall and strong winds bring blizzard conditions to much of Nebraska

Nearly all of eastern Nebraska was under winder weather advisories Tuesday evening through Wednesday as snowfall and strong winds hit the area.

Lincoln and Omaha received three to five inches of snowfall, while some areas in north central Nebraska also received up to five inches of snow. The fresh powder that snapped the area’s warm streak was paired with strong winds throughout the state, resulting in several blizzard warnings and low visibility.

Several schools throughout the area were closed, in addition to a large section of Interstate 80, which was closed from Grand Island to the Omaha area. The interstate reopened between Lincoln and Omaha at around 8 a.m. Wednesday, but remained closed from Lincoln to Grand Island as of Wednesday morning.

A High Wind Warning was placed is in effect until noon Wednesday with winds up to 40 mph with up to 60 mph gusts possible.

During the storm, troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol responded to more than 300 weather-related traffic incidents.

A press release from the department said one crash on Tuesday near Grand Island involved multiple fatalities when a Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 lost control, crossed the median and struck an eastbound semi. Both occupants of the Chevrolet were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the semi was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Overall, troopers responded to 28 crashes and performed over 300 motorist assists as of around noon on Wednesday.

In Lincoln, arterial streets and bus routes have been plowed, but a press release from the city said due to the high winds, the effectiveness of deicers had been reduced.

The release stated visibility was limited due to blowing snow and drivers who encounter intersections without power should treat them as four-way stops. The southbound leg of the North 33rd Street and Fletcher Avenue intersection was closed due to a downed signal mast arm.

The National Weather Service's Omaha branch shared on X that some east/west roads were closed due to blowing and drifting snow, and travel was not advised. Anyone needing to travel was encouraged to first check road conditions.