8:05pm Monday: Blizzard and Freezing Rain Forecast

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This is an Extremely Dangerous Winter Storm.
Please Make Sure Friends and Family are Aware.
As of 8:05pm, the forecasts look good.
This is my last update for the night. 

Latest NWS Storm Warnings as of 8:00pm
Color Code:
  • Orange is a blizzard warning. It includes much of I-80 and I-76 in Nebraska. 
  • Pink is a winter storm warning for heavy snow.
  • Dark green is a winter storm watch.
  • Purple is a winter weather advisory. Note this has been extended south into central Kansas, thus it includes I-70 beginning at Salina and continuing west -- where it turns into a winter storm watch -- to Burlington, CO.
Please do not spend your Christmas or the day after in your car trapped by a giant snow drift or having slid off into a ditch from an icy highway. 


NWS Experimental Winter Weather Impacts Index

Freezing Rain for Tonight and Christmas Morning

Blizzard Conditions Christmas Day and Wednesday

Snowfalls
As much as 20-22 inches may fall near the South Dakota-Nebraska border. The snow will be blown into high drifts.  

Extreme Wind Speed Forecast
These are the highest wind gusts between now and 6am Tuesday. Note there will be gusts of 50 mph (orange) over a large area from South Dakota to eastern Colorado and into the Foothills.  Wind gusts of 70 mph (!) or more are forecasted from the southern Nebraska Panhandle into parts of eastern Colorado and into the mountains. These winds will cause hazardous travel irrespective of the snow along I-80 and I-76.

Freezing Rain Until 6am Christmas Day
While these are light amounts, any ice accumulation on roads can be very dangerous. This includes I-29 and I-90.

Storm Timing

Snowfall now until 6am Monday (Christmas)


8am Christmas Afternoon
Blue is snow, green is rain
Orange is freezing rain, purple is mixed precipitation

4pm Christmas Afternoon

6am Tuesday
Note: For additional info, please follow me on Twitter/X @usweatherexpert.  

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