Blizzard — Thomas, Nebraska

2023-12-25 to 2023-12-27 · Thomas, Nebraska

Event narrative

Northerly winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph at times occurred during the event, causing blizzard conditions. The Thedford AWOS recorded visibilities of a quarter mile or less at times during the afternoon hours on December 25th. Considerable blowing and drifting occurred. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 6 to 10 inches across Thomas County.

Wider weather episode

A strong winter storm moved into western and north central Nebraska during the overnight hours on December 24th and continued through the early morning hours on December 27th. The winter storm brought heavy snow to much of western and north central Nebraska, with blizzard conditions observed across portions of the area. Total snowfall amounts ranged from 4 to 12 inches, with the highest amounts reported across eastern Cherry, Brown, Rock, and Keya Paha County in north central Nebraska and Grant County in southwest Nebraska. Northerly winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph at times occurred during the event, causing blizzard conditions with visibility of a quarter mile or less at times. Considerable blowing and drifting occurred. Interstate 80 an Highway 30 were closed on December 26th until the morning hours December 27th due to the blizzard conditions. Some highways also became closed with travel not advised further north across the Sandhills and north central Nebraska.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1148315. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.