Blizzard — Deuel, Nebraska

2018-04-13 to 2018-04-14 · Deuel, Nebraska

Event narrative

A Cooperative observer in near Big Springs reported blizzard conditions and 10 inches of total snowfall. Moderate to heavy snow developed Friday morning as northwest winds increased late Friday morning to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday afternoon and Friday night, then diminished Saturday morning. All highways including Interstate 80 became closed. A semi truck driver died on the scene when he collided with another semi truck previously stranded by the blizzard on interstate 80. Multiple vehicles were stranded along portions of Interstate 80. Snow drifts of 3 to 6 feet were common throughout Deuel County.

Wider weather episode

A winter storm produced blizzard conditions across western and north central Nebraska. Snow developed and winds intensified Friday morning, in the panhandle and western Sandhills, then spread east through the evening and overnight hours, where the snow was mixed with sleet at times. On Friday, thunderstorms developed with dime sized hail being reported in Holt county. The blizzard conditions continued Saturday morning, with conditions improving Saturday afternoon, as the snow and winds diminished. The heaviest snow occurred from the eastern panhandle into west central and north central Nebraska. These areas received 6 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts of 12 to 14 inches. Strong northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph at times, beginning Friday afternoon and continuing Friday night into Saturday morning. This created blizzard conditions and resulted in snow drifts several feet high and multiple highway closures, including Interstate 80.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 741199. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.