HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – After a month long hiatus from the snow this winter, the cold white stuff returns to the area this week. So, get the snow shovels and blowers ready as a winter storm takes aim on the area midweek.
Later this evening our first round of snow chances will increase with the best chance over Northeast Nebraska where we have winter weather advisories. Some of those areas could see 1 to 3 inches of snow. Most of the rest of the area could see some minor snow accumulation, mainly under an inch. Meanwhile, north and northeast winds will pick up tonight behind a cold front. These blustery winds will bring arctic air southward. Winds will blow around 13 to 23 mph with gusts over 30 mph possible. This will drive arctic air southward into the area the next couple of days. Low temperatures tomorrow morning will range from around -5° in Northern Nebraska to around 10° over southeastern parts of the area. Wind chills should easily be below zero and many will have wind chills in the -10s.
Some light snow will continue into Tuesday with the chance increasing later in the day and into Tuesday night as a bigger winter weather system impacts our area. Most of the snow that falls with this system will be Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. By the afternoon, snow will be pushing off to the southeast and should clear out of the area before sunset. Snowfall is expected to be heaviest over southern and southeastern areas. So Northern Kansas and far Southern Nebraska should see the highest snowfall totals before the snow moves out. Amounts in these areas could be as much as 6 to 9 inches in total. Amounts will be lower as you go to the north and northwest. Northern Nebraska looks to be more in the 1 to 3 inch range. In between, amounts of 3 to 6 inches will be possible for the middle of the area. Keep in mind, that should leave in a little wiggle room for any shifts or surprises before the snow arrives. Thankfully, winds do not look to be terribly strong with this event, but occasionally some gusts might sneak over 20 mph. Winds will actually lighten toward the end of the event. Currently, far Southern Nebraska Nebraska and Northern Kansas are included in a Winter Storm Watch from 6:00pm Tuesday to 6:00pm Wednesday. This will eventually be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. Areas north of this will likely be put into a Winter Weather Advisory as there will still be some impacts to travel…