Winter Storm — Wheeler, Nebraska

2023-01-02 to 2023-01-03 · Wheeler, Nebraska

Event narrative

The nearby Ord ASOS recorded freezing rain during the afternoon and evening hours followed by snow during the overnight hours into the morning hours of January 3rd. Visibility was as low as a quarter mile at times. Up to a quarter inch of ice from freezing rain preceded the snow. A Cooperative Observer 6 miles west of Ericson reported 7 inches. Total snowfall amounts across Wheeler County ranged from 6 to 8 inches. North winds gusting to 30 to 35 mph caused blowing and drifting. Travel was not advised during the event.

Wider weather episode

A winter storm moved into western and north central Nebraska during the early morning hours January 2nd and continued through the morning hours on January 3rd. The winter storm brought heavy snow to much of western and north central Nebraska, along with freezing rain during the early portions of the event across much of southwest, central, into eastern portions of north central Nebraska. Ice accumulations up to a quarter inch were measured. Heavy snow, with low visibility at times and snowfall amounts from 8 to 18 inches fell across much of the area, with the highest amounts reported in Custer County northward into north central Nebraska. Northerly winds increased to 20 to 35 mph during the later portion of the event, causing blowing and drifting.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1069325. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.