NEBRASKA — A surge of unusually warm temperatures across the central Plains is raising concerns about ice jam flooding, particularly in eastern Nebraska, where melting snow and river ice could create hazardous conditions in the coming days.
Weather data shows temperatures climbing well above normal, with potential record highs from Sunday into Monday, accelerating snowmelt and ice breakup along several river systems. As a result, a flood watch has already been issued for parts of eastern Nebraska due to ice jam flood potential.
Record Warmth Accelerates Snow and Ice Melt
Forecast maps indicate widespread warmth spreading across Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, and surrounding areas, with temperatures reaching levels more typical of late spring than mid-winter.
Cities including Omaha, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Kearney, and Kansas City are positioned within the warmest zone, where rapid melting of existing snowpack and river ice is expected. The unusually fast thaw increases the risk that ice will break apart and pile up in narrow river channels.
Ice Jam Risk Focused on Key Nebraska Rivers
Hydrologic outlooks highlight the Platte, Elkhorn, and Loup Rivers as the primary areas of concern. Ice jams can form when broken ice becomes lodged in bends, bridges, or shallow sections of a river, causing water levels to rise quickly upstream…