Dangerous Weather To Hit County At Beginning of Holiday Travel

For the second week in a row   mother nature will throw us a curve ball with a significant weather system that is scheduled to impact the area with life threatening  temperatures as well as a little snow to boot.

The system is set to impact Holt County on Wednesday afternoon with chances of snow at 85 percent with snow accumulations from 1" to 4" at the top end.

The real danger with this system  is with the arctic cold and the wind that could drive wind chills which could reach -50 degrees driven by wind gusts reaching up to 45 miles per hour starting on Wednesday evening through Saturday morning. Help prepare yourself with the following information.

• Have safety kits for home and vehicle.

• Extra blankets, hats, gloves, etc. in the vehicle.

• Wind chill values of -40 to -50 can result in frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes.

• Ranchers and outdoor workers: cover all possible skin, limit time outdoors if possible.

• Whiteout conditions are possible during and immediately after the new snowfall.

• Old snow & new snow may drift roads shut again.

Drivers are encouraged to be informed about weather and road conditions before making the decision to travel by checking 511.nebraska.gov and plows.nebraska.gov. Remember to slow down, increase following distance, turn off your cruise control and always buckle up."

The NSP Highway Helpline is available 24 hours a day at *55 or 800-525-5555 to speak directly with an NSP dispatcher who can send help to any stranded motorist.

Should travel be absolutely necessary, NDOT reminds motorists to be prepared with warm clothing, water and food. Be sure to travel on well-established routes and notify someone when you are leaving for your destination. If traveling long distances, a winter weather survival kit is advised with additional basic items. If you must travel, do not drive faster than conditions allow. Surfaces will be slick under the snow and visibility may be poor. Allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

With snowplows out on the roads, travelers are urged to be cautious and courteous to those operating them, making sure to:

• Slow down as you approach plows. They travel slowly, usually 25-30 miles per hour or less.

• Stay well behind plows to give you and them plenty of room. When traveling outside of a business or residential district, it is unlawful to follow a highway maintenance vehicle (snowplow, truck or grader) more closely than 100 feet. 

Weather information was taken from the National Weather Service as of Tuesday morning.

(0) COMMENTS

Welcome to the discussion.