Dense Fog — Platte, Nebraska

2025-12-24 to 2025-12-26 · Platte, Nebraska

Event narrative

Dense fog reduced visibility to near 0 across portions of Platte County. The Platte County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol reported fog was present at a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident along Highway 81 west of Columbus at approximately 6:30 AM CST on December 24th. A northbound driver pulled over to check on a trailer they were towing and while standing outside their vehicle, was struck by a northbound vehicle. The crash resulted in one fatality (indirect).

Wider weather episode

Dense fog led to visibility less than 1/4 mile across much of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa from Christmas Eve through Christmas Day and into December 26th. This prolonged fog event was primarily caused by weak isentropic ascent and light winds in the vicinity of a broad, nearly stationary frontal zone positioned over the region. The Nebraska State Patrol noted fog was present at the site of a fatal (indirect) car vs. pedestrian accident in Platte County on Christmas Eve.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1304670. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.