Winter Storm — Western Cherry, Nebraska

2019-12-27 to 2019-12-29 · Western Cherry, Nebraska

Event narrative

General pubic in Merriman reported 7 inches of snowfall. Snowfall amounts across western Cherry County ranged from 4 to 8 inches. Strong northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 40 mph developed during the afternoon hours on December 28th and continued through the daytime hours December 29th. This caused considerable blowing and drifting and visibility of a half mile or less at times.

Wider weather episode

A strong winter storm impacted north central and central Nebraska into portions of southwest Nebraska beginning December 28th through the early morning hours on December 30th. Snow became moderate to heavy at times during the evening hours on December 28th and continued on December 29th. Strong northwest winds increased to 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 40 mph during the evening and overnight hours on December 28th. Wind gusts increased to 50 mph at times during the daytime and into the evening and overnight hours on December 29th. The heaviest snowfall occurred across central into north central Nebraska, where 6 to 12 inches amounts were common, but ranged as high as 16 to 18 inches. The strong northwest winds caused considerable blowing and drifting with visibility as low as a quarter mile at times. Snow drifts up to 12 to 15 feet were reported near Butte, in Boyd County. Most roads across central Nebraska into the eastern half of north central became impassable on December 29th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 863109. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.