Updated as of 2:30 PM on 1/13/2021: According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, a High Wind Warning has been issued for all of western and north-central Nebraska from 9 PM CT Wednesday through 6 PM CT Friday.
Wind gusts up to 60 mph are possible across all of western and north-central Nebraska Wednesday night through Friday evening. Some isolated locations may see gusts up to 70 mph. The strongest winds are expected Thursday and Friday afternoons.
Hazards: Strong northwest winds gusting up to 60 mph will be possible late Wednesday night through Friday evening across all of western and north-central Nebraska. Isolated locations may see gusts up to 70 mph. Light snow will be possible Thursday night into Friday morning across north-central Nebraska. Little to no accumulation is expected.
Areas Impacted: All of western and north-central Nebraska for wind. North-central Nebraska for light snowfall.
Timing & Duration: This will be a long duration high wind event. The strongest winds (60-70 mph) are most likely Thursday and Friday afternoons. Increased winds of 40-50 mph are expected through the duration of the event. Sustained winds will approach 35-45 mph throughout the event.
Impacts: Strong winds may create hazardous travel conditions for high profile and lightweight vehicles. Light snowfall may reduce visibility as well as create areas of blowing and drifting snow across north-central Nebraska. Little to no accumulation is expected at this time. Wind chill values will be in the single digits to near zero Friday morning.
Certainty & Considerations: Confidence is high for strong northwest
winds as well as for low wind chill values Friday morning. Confidence
is low to medium in the location of precipitation as well as snow
accumulations.
High Wind Preparedness
Know your risk
In advance of any storm, be sure your property is secure.
Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures, loose roofing
materials and objects in yards, patios, roofs or balconies that could blow away.
If you are driving:
Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down. Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path. Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel. Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, SUV, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts.
