A significant winter storm is impacting the Midwestern United States, prompting widespread school closures and travel advisories across Nebraska and neighboring states. The storm, arriving after a period of unseasonably warm weather, is forecast to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions, particularly across central and eastern Nebraska.
Omaha Public Schools, the largest school district in the state, announced the cancellation of classes for , joining a growing list of districts impacted by the weather system. Elkhorn and Bellevue Public Schools have also confirmed closures, as have several other districts throughout the Omaha metropolitan area, including Papillion-La Vista, Gretna, and Ralston. Further afield, districts in Milford, West Side, and DC West Community Schools are also closed. In Council Bluffs, Iowa, schools will operate on an early dismissal schedule.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for more than two dozen counties stretching across Nebraska, from the eastern border to the Panhandle. A winter weather advisory is in effect for much of the remainder of the state. The heaviest snowfall is expected across north-central Nebraska, with accumulations forecast between 4-8 inches
, according to the National Weather Service.
The timing of the storm is particularly concerning, as it coincides with the evening commute in many areas. Officials warn that travel will be very difficult
due to the combination of heavy snow and strong winds. The storm’s arrival is a stark contrast to recent conditions; both Lincoln and Omaha experienced a seven-day stretch of high temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with some areas of central and western Nebraska setting record highs earlier this week.
While the immediate impact is focused on travel and school disruptions, the snowfall is also notable in the context of the region’s overall winter conditions. As of , Omaha’s total snowfall for the winter season stands at just 6.5 inches – approximately one-third of the normal amount for this time of year. If the city receives snowfall at the upper end of the current forecast – up to 6 inches – it could nearly double its seasonal total.
Beyond the immediate disruptions, the storm is expected to bring a brief period of colder temperatures to the region. Highs are forecast to fall into the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit starting and lasting through the weekend. However, forecasters predict a return to milder conditions early next week, with temperatures expected to climb back into the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit by .
The closures extend beyond the public school system. Bellevue Public Schools announced the closure of the Lied Activity Center and the BPS Foundations Kids’ Time program. Cornerstone Montessori, Zion Academy, and Hearth Academy are also among the educational institutions suspending operations for the day. Schuyler Public Schools will dismiss students early, while Lewis Central schools will shorten the school day by 90 minutes.
The situation highlights the challenges of winter weather in the Midwestern United States, where rapid shifts in temperature and unpredictable storm systems can significantly disrupt daily life. While the region is accustomed to harsh winters, the recent warm spell followed by a sudden return to cold and snow underscores the increasing variability of weather patterns. Meteorologist Rusty Lord noted that significant shifts in model data over the past 12-18 hours led to a much snowier forecast than initially anticipated, emphasizing the difficulty in predicting these rapidly evolving weather events.
The impact of the storm is not limited to Nebraska. The winter weather advisory extends into parts of Iowa, with Council Bluffs schools adjusting schedules to accommodate the conditions. The broader implications for transportation and commerce across the region remain to be seen as the storm progresses throughout the day.
