Whoa, Nelly! A Beast of a Blizzard Slams the Plains
Okay, folks, buckle up. We've got a major winter storm brewing, and it's bringing the big guns – blizzard conditions, howling winds, the whole shebang. It's impacting a huge chunk of the central and eastern US, and things are getting pretty hairy. Let's break it down.
Nebraska and Friends: A White-Knuckle Ride
Blizzard warnings are screaming across parts of western Nebraska, spilling over into eastern Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. A Winter Weather Advisory? That's covering much of central and eastern Nebraska too, meaning even more areas are feeling the chill. The storm started with some thunderstorms Monday night—honestly, who saw *that* coming?—and then transitioned to snow Tuesday morning in western Nebraska, making its way east throughout the day. And get this: we’re talking seriously intense winds, gusts potentially topping 60 mph, starting Tuesday afternoon. Predicting snowfall totals is tricky with winds like that; it’s going to be all about blowing and drifting snow. The storm should wrap up Wednesday, but those strong winds? They're sticking around for a while.
Colorado's March Madness: A Snow Surprise
Colorado's getting hit with its first major March snowstorm, and it's a doozy. A blizzard warning is in effect for parts of the state. This is a warm system crashing into that cold Arctic air – you know how sometimes things just spiral? This is one of those times. Douglas County and areas around Interstates 70 and 76 are taking the brunt of it, with 4 to 10 inches of snow and wind gusts possibly hitting 70 mph! Several school districts are closed – dangerous travel conditions are no joke. The Denver metro area will see less snow (1-3 inches), but the Front Range Mountains could get slammed with 8-18 inches and 50 mph gusts. High Wind Warnings are in effect across much of the state.
What's a Blizzard Warning, Anyway?
A blizzard warning isn't something to take lightly. It means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or higher, along with heavy snow that’s falling or blowing around, cutting visibility down to less than a quarter of a mile for at least three hours. Even if the snowfall isn't super heavy, those strong winds can create terrifying whiteout conditions. Stay safe!
Staying Safe in the Storm
Stay informed! Check reliable weather reports constantly. Avoid travel if you can. Seriously, unless it's absolutely essential, stay put. If you *must* travel, make sure your car is winter-ready: full tank of gas, emergency kit, warm clothes – the works. Stay inside as much as possible. Limit your exposure to those brutal cold and windy conditions.
Keep an Eye on Things
For the latest updates and forecasts, be sure to follow Chief Meteorologist Rusty Dawkins on YouTube, Facebook, BlueSky, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Twitter (@RustyWx).
