Expected snowfall through Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 (NWS Hastings, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — Winter will truly impact the region this week, as a Winter Weather Advisory and Extreme Cold Warning are in place across much of central Nebraska.
The Winter Weather Advisory is set to run from 6 p.m. tonight through 6 p.m. Tuesday. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches are expected.
“Only flurries or off and on very light snow showers are expected during the day today, with any snow accumulation remaining around 1 inch, or less. However, additional areas of light to moderate snow will develop overnight tonight and persist through the daytime hours Tuesday,” per the National Weather Service – Hastings.
“The heaviest accumulations will favor areas along and south of the state line. Winds will be out of the northeast at 10-20 mph and gust to around 25 mph, which will lead to at least minor blowing and drifting snow,” NWS Hastings stated.
Plan on slippery road conditions, these could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
In addition to the snowfall, dangerously cold temperatures will be in place across the area.
An Extreme Cold Warning will begin tonight at midnight and last through noon on Thursday, Feb. 20. This will be a prolonged period of dangerously cold wind chills as low as -20 to -30 degrees.
“The dangerously cold wind chills as low as -30 could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. An extended period of below zero temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes,” per NWS Hastings.
“The coldest wind chills will be favored during the overnight and morning hours each day. However, even afternoon wind chills Tuesday and Wednesday will still remain quite cold, with values of only -10 to -20 expected,” NWS Hastings noted.
Preparedness Actions:
- Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
- To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
- Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
