Winter Weather — Buffalo, Nebraska

2006-11-26 to 2006-11-27 · Buffalo, Nebraska

Event narrative

Freezing drizzle caused area roads to become slick in spots, especially bridges and overpasses. These conditions may have contributed to a fatal accident on Interstate 80 near the Shelton exit in Buffalo county. The driver of a westbound pickup lost control, cross the median, and collided with an eastbound pickup. Five people in the westbound pickup were killed and one was seriously injured. Two people in the eastbound pickup were injured and treated at a local hospital for multiple fractures. Information from The Grand Island Independent newspaper.

Wider weather episode

It was a very warm period for Thanksgiving with afternoon high temperatures in the 50s and 60s, a cold front moved into the area on Sunday and brought colder air to the region. Occasional freezing drizzle developed across the region and produced some slick spots on area roads and bridges. This contributed to numerous car accidents, mainly on the major highways. One accident on Interstate 80 resulted in 5 indirect fatalities as the driver lost control of their pickup and crossed into an oncoming pickup.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 6229. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.