Nearing blizzard conditions in Nebraska tonight into Tuesday with snow, wind intensifying

A wintry mix has been falling early and first this Monday morning. The potential for that continue exists through about the 8 a.m. hour before a complete transition to snow. Snowfall will pick up through the late morning and afternoon hours.

Many winter weather alerts are in place, with some updates as of Monday morning. The Tri-Cities and south-central Nebraska now included in a Blizzard Warning until Tuesday morning for snow and blowing snow. Lincoln and a majority of the state is under a Winter Storm Warning for heavy, wet snow expected through Tuesday morning and windy conditions. Then a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for those expecting less snow.

In timing out this winter storm, we are expecting mixed precipitation to continue on and off for a few of the early morning hours before the transition over to snow. Once we do see that transition, heavy snow will pick up especially in areas south of I-80 first. Then, southeast Nebraska continues to see those higher rates of snow sit over top from this system through a majority of Monday. Snow will begin to taper off overnight and through the morning commute Tuesday, then winds become an issue.

Some of these snowfall rates could exceed 1-2″ per hour as things ramp up after sunrise.

It does take a lot of convincing to forecast higher amounts of snow in eastern Nebraska. We know all too well that things like dry air can easily cut into snowfall potential. But dry air appears to stay away for all this time, and models are agreeing on high amounts of snow through portions of southeast and northeast Nebraska.

The latest snowfall forecast (below) highlights those areas, including Lincoln (where 7-8″ looks likely).

Besides the snow and heavy snow causing impacts through all of Monday, we’ll eventually see winds pick up later Monday into Tuesday. That will cause blowing snow and near-blizzard conditions for south-central and eastern Nebraska by Monday evening and through Tuesday morning. The blues are impacts due to snow, and the tan/brown is stronger winds causing impacts.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the stronger winds expected by Tuesday morning for eastern Nebraska. Wind gusts around 40-50 mph are possible especially through the timing around the morning commute Tuesday.

Beyond this, we’ll be watching for another chance at accumulating snow toward the end of this week and a blast of arctic air. Wind chills by Sunday morning could be around -20 to -30 degrees.

Meteorologist Jessica Blum 
Twitter: JessicaBlumWx 
Facebook: JessicaBlumWx 
YouTube: JessicaBlumWx