Winter weather expected to impact area this weekend

Depending on where you live in the Summerland region, you may be in a winter storm warning, winter weather advisory or winter storm watch this weekend.

Two rounds of wintry weather are expected to blanket the area, according to the National Weather Service in North Platte.

Holt and Wheeler County residents are in a winter storm warning, effective from 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27, to 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 29.

At 10:45 a.m., Dec. 27, a light wintry mix was tracking across portions of southwest Nebraska.

Friday evening, light freezing rain or a wintry mix of precipitation is expected. Ice accumulations of one- to two-tenths of an inch are possible.

On Saturday, as temperatures drop, snow will develop and may be heavy at times, "especially over north central Nebraska Saturday night into Sunday," NWS advises.

Snow accumulation of four to 12 inches are likely in the Holt County area.

Strong winds will develop Saturday evening, creating areas of blowing and drifting snow.

Whiteout conditions may occur Saturday evening into Sunday.

Antelope, Knox and Boone counties, and points east will be in a winter weather advisory, effective from 9 p.m. Friday, until noon, Saturday, Dec. 28, when a winter weather watch will remain in effect until Sunday evening.

Mixed precipitation is expected in the area, with snow accumulations totaling up to two inches, along with ice buildup of up to one-tenth of an inch.

On Saturday, an additional four to eight inches of snow is possible.

Wind gusts could reach 40 miles per hour.

"Heavy liquid precipitation amounts could lead to increased run-off due to some areas of frozen ground across northeast Nebraska," according to the Valley office of the NWS.

Travel throughout north central and northeast Nebraska is may be difficult during the storm.

"With uncertainty in this particular storm system, it's imperative that travelers plan ahead and stay up-to-date on the changing weather possibilities," said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. "Rain, ice, and several inches of snow are all possible across much of the state."

Travelers are advised to be alert, be aware and check the most up-to-date travel conditions available through 511, Nebraska's Advanced Traveler Information System. The system is available at all times via phone, online at 511.Nebraska.gov, and with 511's smartphone app.

"Our teams are ready throughout Nebraska to respond to whatever this storm system brings," said Nebraska Department of Transportation Director Kyle Schneweis. "Drivers can also get a real-time view of what conditions are like with our plow tracker network and see what our team is seeing on the roads."

Troopers will be working and ready to help motorists in need of assistance, should the need arise. Any traveler who needs help can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 to speak directly with an NSP dispatcher. Call 911 for any emergency.

Nebraskans and travelers through the state should stay tuned to local forecasts and updates from the National Weather Service. As conditions begin to change, the timing and type of precipitation has the potential to affect Nebraska roads in various ways across the state.