Nebraska, 2009

Blizzard and Winter Storm in Nebraska, December 24 to 27, 2009

December 24 to 27, 2009 · NWS OAX · 60 events in 30 counties and zones

The second winter storm of the month hit eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa as a complex weather pattern brought a prolonged period of winter weather, including blizzard conditions, to the region around Christmas. Low pressure aloft in the southern plains lifted northeast into Missouri as another low pressure system dropped south out of Canada.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 60 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
1
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
60

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS OAX wrote it up.

The second winter storm of the month hit eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa as a complex weather pattern brought a prolonged period of winter weather, including blizzard conditions, to the region around Christmas. Low pressure aloft in the southern plains lifted northeast into Missouri as another low pressure system dropped south out of Canada. These two systems then merged over the central United States and eventually pulled Atlantic moisture westward into the plains. Before they merged, the southern system pulled up gulf moisture and brought areas of freezing rain to southeast Nebraska and 3 to 5 inches of snow to northeast Nebraska on 12/23. The second system pulled down Arctic Air as north winds gusted between 40 and 50 mph over most of the region. This not only changed all the precipitation to snow on the 24th, but also brought blizzard conditions to much of eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa Christmas Eve and much of Christmas Day as the systems merged. Snow and blowing snow and occasional blizzard or near-blizzard conditions then continued through much of the 26th.

Snowfall from the prolonged winter storm was 10 to 18 inches over most of eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Heavier totals included around 18 inches in Norfolk, around 16 inches in Neligh and near Little Sioux Iowa, around 15 inches in Columbus, near Verdel Nebraska and Shenandoah Iowa, 14 inches near Gretna, Bennington and Logan Iowa and 13 inches at the NWS in Valley, near Auburn, Fremont, Ft. Calhoun, Wayne, Bloomfield, and Papillion. The snow and strong winds drifted most rural roads shut and even made many highways impassable, especially in northeast Nebraska and sections of southeast Nebraska northwest through southwest of Lincoln where winds were a bit stronger. President Obama granted disaster declarations for many counties hit by this storm and the one in early January.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Omaha, NE wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 23, 3:11 PM CST, 10 hours 49 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 23, 3:11 PM CST, 10 hours 49 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OMAHA/VALLEY NE
311 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

.SHORT TERM...TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY. LET ME START OFF BY SAYING
THAT EVEN THOUGH WE ARE ONE DAY CLOSER...SOME OF THE SPECIFIC DETAILS
REGARDING THE ONGOING WINTRY WEATHER REMAIN UNCLEAR.

THE FIRST ROUND...AS EXPECTED THIS FIRST ROUND OF PRECIPITATION
HAS PANNED ABOUT JUST AS EXPECTED. FREEZING RAIN DEVELOPED LAST
NIGHT AND MOVED INTO AREAS ALONG/SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 80...AND AS
THE BAD HAS MOVED INTO NORTHEAST NEBRASKA...SNOW HAS DEVELOPED
WHERE ITS COLD ENOUGH THROUGH THE ENTIRE COLUMN...WITH UP TO 3
INCHES ALREADY REPORTED. ALSO...SHOWERS WITH THUNDERSTORMS WERE
NOW MOVING INTO SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND WILL LIKELY STILL CLIP
SOUTHWEST IOWA...BUT TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE FREEZING IN THIS AREA.
OTHERWISE...THE HORTEN BAND WILL CONTINUE TO SHIFT NORTH
TONIGHT...AND THERE WILL LIKELY BE A LULL IN THE PRECIPITATION FOR
OTHER AREAS UNTIL THE NEXT ROUND MOVES IN TOMORROW.

THE SECOND ROUND...THE INVERTED SURFACE TROUGH THAT EXISTS FROM
EASTERN OK THRU NWRN MO WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AS CYCLOGENESIS TAKES
PLACE TONIGHT...ALLOWING RAPID DEEPENING TO TAKE PLACE. THE NAM/GFS
ARE NOW IN VERY GOOD AGREEMENT REGARDING THE EVOLUTION...DEVELOPING
A 997SH LOW BY 12Z THURSDAY...DEEPENING TO AROUND 990SH BY 00Z FRI
AND MOVING TO SWRN MO...THEN DEEPENING EVEN MORE TO 987SH AND MOVING
DUE NORTH TO SCNTRL IA BY 12Z FRI...THEN EVEN RETROGRADING POSSIBLE
TO NORTHWEST IOWA. THIS IS CONJUNCTION WITH A NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN
STREAM UPPER SYSTEMS PHASING. THERE REMAINS SOME UNCERTAINTY HOW
FAR WEST THE SYSTEM DEVELOPS...WITH THE EC/GEM MODELS KEEPING THE
SURFACE LOW FURTHER EAST NEAR THE QUAD CITIES. BELIEVE THAT MAY BE
TOO FAR EAST...SINCE THE PHASING OFF THE TWO SYSTEMS SHOULD HELP
TO PULL THE SURFACE LOW FURTHER WEST.

FOR SENSIBLE WEATHER...WILL LIKELY SEE PRECIPITATION SPREAD INTO
THE FORECAST AREA FROM THE SOUTHEAST ON THURSDAY. HOWEVER...IN
SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND SOUTHWEST IOWA...THERMAL PROFILES STILL
SUGGEST THAT FREEZING RAIN WOULD BE LIKELY UNTIL MIDDAY...THUS
STILL A THREAT FOR ADDITIONAL SIGNIFICANT ICING ACCUMULATIONS FROM
FNB TO ICL FROM 6AM TO NOON BEFORE COLDER AIR ARRIVES. OTHERWISE...
THE COLD AIR SHOULD BE IN PLACE ELSEWHERE FOR ALL SNOW. ONCE THE
SNOW MOVES IN THROUGH THE DAY THURSDAY...FROM EAST TO WEST...THE
SNOW WILL CONTINUE THEN FOR THURSDAY NIGHT...FRIDAY...AND EVEN
FRIDAY NIGHT. DURING THIS TIME...WINDS WILL ALSO BE INCREASING TO
25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 TO 45 MPH. ALSO DURING THIS
TIME...SNOWFALL RATIOS WILL BE INCREASING...STARTING AROUND 10/12
TO 1...BUT INCREASING TO 14 TO 18 TO 1 THROUGH THE EVENT. THIS
WILL ALLOW THE SNOW TO BECOME DRIER WITH TIME...WHICH WILL ALSO
ALLOW MORE SIGNIFICANT VISIBILITY RESTRICTIONS.

HEADLINES...WITH THE COMBINATION OF A 48 HOUR DURATION EVENT...WITH
THE POSSIBILITY OF 6 TO 15 INCHES OF ADDITIONAL SNOW...ALONG WITH NEAR
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS DEVELOPING LATE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY...WE WILL
BE UPGRADING THE WINTER STORM WATCH TO A WINTER STORM WARNING
BEGINNING 6 AM THURSDAY...LINGERING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING. AT
THIS TIME...HEAVIEST SNOWFALL APPEARS TO BE ORIENTED IN THE
MISSOURI RIVER VALLEY...WITH LESSER AMOUNTS FORECAST WEST/SOUTH OF
LINCOLN. THE EXISTING WINTER STORM WARNING WILL CONTINUE...FOR
SNOW THAT MOVES THROUGH THIS EVENING. WITHIN THIS EXISTING WINTER
STORM WARNING IN NORTHEAST NEBRASKA...THERE WILL ALSO LIKELY BE A
LULL IN THE PRECIP LATE TONIGHT AND EARLY THURSDAY. HOWEVER...FOR
SIMPLICITY...IT WAS BEST TO LEAVE THIS IN TACT...RATHER THAN
CANCELLING THE EXISTING WARNING...THEN ISSUING A NEW WARNING FOR
HEAVY SNOW THAT IS EXPECTED TO REDEVELOP.

UNCERTAINTIES...MODEL SOLUTIONS ARE STILL THE PRIMARY UNCERTAINTY...
WITH REGARDS TO HOW FAR WEST THE SURFACE LOW WILL MOVE. IF THE EC/GEM
VERIFIES WITH A FURTHER EAST TRACK...THE AXIS OF HEAVIEST SNOW WILL
SHIFT EAST. ANOTHER UNCERTAINTY WILL BE WHETHER OR NOT BLIZZARD
CRITERIA MIGHT EVENTUALLY BE MET LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH
FRIDAY. CERTAINLY EASTERN NEBRASKA HAS THE BEST POTENTIAL...WITH
SLIGHTLY LOWER WIND SPEEDS IN WESTERN IOWA DUE TO CLOSER PROXIMITY
TO THE SURFACE LOW. WITH INCREASED SNOW RATIOS...THE SNOW WILL
HAVE A GREATER ABILITY TO BLOW THUS HAVING A GREATER PROBABILITY
OF MEETING BLIZZARD CRITERIA. ALSO...VARYING SFC LOW POSITIONING
DURING THIS TIME WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON COVERAGE AREA MAKING AREAL
PLACEMENT TOO DIFFICULT AT THIS TIME.

.LONG TERM...SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY. LATE WEEK/WEEKEND
SYSTEM WILL STILL BE SPINNING IN THE WRN GT LAKES ON SAT NT AS IT
MOVES NEWD OUT OF THE AREA. HAVE ADDED A VERY LOW SCHC POP FOR LT
SNOW ON SAT NT IN THE ERN CWA...AND ALSO INCREASED CLOUDS...AS
MODELS INDICATE A WEAK WAVE ROTATING AROUND THE BACK EDGE OF THE
SLOW-MOVING UPPER LOW. FOR SUN THROUGH TUES...MADE FEW CHANGES TO
THE FORECAST AS HIGH PRESSURE AND UPPER-LEVEL RIDGING MOVE
THROUGH. KEPT TEMPS IN THAT PERIOD BELOW GUIDANCE WITH FRESH SNOW
COVER...PARTICULARLY IN THE NERN/NRN CWA WHERE THE HEAVIEST SNOW
IS EXPECTED IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. IN WAKE OF UPPER RIDGE...MODELS
BEGIN TO DIG A SWRN TROUGH THAT IS THEN PROGGED TO EJECT OUT
ACROSS THE CONUS. GFS/ECMWF DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE EVOLUTION
OF THAT LOW. THE GFS WAS MUCH FURTHER SOUTH AS AN ARCTIC HIGH
DEVELOPS IN ERN SD/WRN MN...KEEPING THE CWA LARGELY DRY OR WITH
JUST LIGHT PRECIP. MEANWHILE...THE 00Z ECMWF LIFTS THE TROUGH
RIGHT ACROSS THE PLAINS...BRINGING A SWATH OF SNOW TO THE MO RIVER
VALLEY. GEM HINTS AT SLOWER PATTERN PROGRESSION...ALSO KEEPING THE
CWA DRY THROUGH TUES. WITH SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY AMONG MODELS...KEPT
FORECAST DRY FOR NOW...WITH A SLIGHT INCREASE IN CLOUDS TUES-WED.
DID NUDGE TEMPS DOWNWARD ALSO TO BRING FORECAST CLOSER TO GUIDANCE.

&&

.AVIATION...
TAF SITES KOFK/KOMA/KLNK

18Z TAFS

IFR TO LIFR CONDITIONS WILL DOMINATE THROUGH THE TAF CYCLE...WITH
PRECIP TYPE AND TIMING THE MAIN CONCERNS.  BAND OF MAINLY RA IS
WORKING THROUGH KLNK/KOMA. THAT PRECIP WILL DIMINISH THROUGH THE
AFTN AT KLNK/KOMA...WITH POSSIBLY SOME DZ/FZDZ LINGERING BUT LIKELY
A BREAK IN ANY PRECIP FROM LATE THIS EVNG INTO THE OVERNIGHT HRS.
SNOW SHOULD THEN PICK UP AT KOMA/KLNK IN THE EARLY MRNG.  FOR
KOFK...SNOW WILL LIKELY LINGER...THOUGH BECOMING VERY LIGHT
OVERNIGHT FOR SEVERAL HRS BEFORE BECOMING HEAVIER TMRW MRNG.  WINDS
AT ALL SITES WILL BACK TO NWLY BETWEEN 06-08Z...WITH SPEEDS AND
GUSTS INCREASING INTO TMRW.

&&

.OAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NE...WINTER STORM WARNING FROM 6 AM THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST SATURDAY FOR
     NEZ034-045-051>053-065>068-078-088>093.

     WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 6 AM CST SATURDAY FOR NEZ011-012-
     015>018-030>033-042>044-050.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT FOR NEZ034.

IA...WINTER STORM WARNING FROM 6 AM THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST SATURDAY FOR
     IAZ043-055-056-069-079-080-090-091.

     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT FOR IAZ043.

&&

SHORT TERM...DEWALD/ZAPOTOCNY
LONG TERM/AVIATION...MAYES
CONFERENCE CALL/MULTI MEDIA WEB BRIEFINGS...SMITH
Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 23, 5:26 PM CST, 8 hours 34 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OMAHA/VALLEY NE
526 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

IAZ043-055-056-069-079-080-090-091-NEZ011-012-015>018-030>034-
042>045-050>053-065>068-078-088>093-241330-
MONONA-HARRISON-SHELBY-POTTAWATTAMIE-MILLS-MONTGOMERY-FREMONT-
PAGE-KNOX-CEDAR-THURSTON-ANTELOPE-PIERCE-WAYNE-BOONE-MADISON-
STANTON-CUMING-BURT-PLATTE-COLFAX-DODGE-WASHINGTON-BUTLER-
SAUNDERS-DOUGLAS-SARPY-SEWARD-LANCASTER-CASS-OTOE-SALINE-
JEFFERSON-GAGE-JOHNSON-NEMAHA-PAWNEE-RICHARDSON-
526 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST
IOWA...WEST CENTRAL IOWA...EAST CENTRAL NEBRASKA...NORTHEAST
NEBRASKA AND SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT AND THURSDAY

SNOW WILL CONTINUE ACROSS PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST NEBRASKA THIS
EVENING WITH SEVERAL INCHES ACCUMULATION BEFORE TAPERING TO
FLURRIES. SOME RAIN OR POCKETS OF FREEZING RAIN MAY ALSO MOVE
THROUGH PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA THIS
EVENING...BUT WIDESPREAD ADDITIONAL TRAVEL PROBLEMS ARE NOT
EXPECTED IN THIS AREA.

THE NEXT ROUND OF PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THE AREA
ON TUESDAY. MUCH OF THE REGION WILL FINALLY BE COLD ENOUGH FOR ALL
SNOW...BUT FAR SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND SOUTHWEST IOWA SHOULD STILL
SEE ADDITIONAL FREEZING RAIN THURSDAY MORNING BEFORE SWITCHING TO
SNOW. SOME ICE ACCUMULATIONS UP TO ONE QUARTER INCH COULD STILL
OCCUR FROM FALLS CITY NEBRASKA TO CLARINDA IOWA.

WINDS WILL ALSO BE INCREASING TO 25 TO 35 MPH THROUGH THE DAY
THURSDAY AS THE SNOW BEGINS TO DEVELOP...CREATING AREAS OF BLOWING
AND DRIFTING SNOW ALSO...WITH CONDITIONS DETERIORATING THROUGH
THE DAY.

AS A RESULT...A WINTER STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEAST
NEBRASKA THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT...AND A WINTER STORM WARNING HAS
BEEN ISSUED FOR SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND SOUTHWEST IOWA FROM
THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. A FEW INCHES OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE BY
SUNSET CHRISTMAS EVE.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY

SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. THE
HEAVIEST SNOW APPEARS TO BE SETTING UP IN THE MISSOURI RIVER
VALLEY. WINDS INCREASING TO 30 TO 40 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS WILL
CREATE NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS LATE THURSDAY THROUGH CHRISTMAS
DAY. SEVERAL INCHES OF SNOW WILL OCCUR...WITH A STORM TOTAL
RANGING FROM 6 TO 15 INCHES ACROSS THE REGION. THE WINDS WILL
CREATE SUBSTANTIAL BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...WHICH MAY MAKE
TRAVEL IMPOSSIBLE AT SOME POINT THROUGH THE HOLIDAY PERIOD FOR
SOME AREAS.

THIS IS A MAJOR WINTER STORM THAT WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
ON THE ENTIRE MISSOURI VALLEY REGION. REMAIN ALERT OF THE FORECAST...
ESPECIALLY IF TRAVELING...AND BE PREPARED FOR A LONG DURATION
EVENT ONCE IT BEGINS THURSDAY MORNING. YOU SHOULD BE COMPLETING
YOUR PREPAREDNESS PLANS NOW.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL NOT BE NEEDED TONIGHT OR THURSDAY. HOWEVER...
WE DO ENCOURAGE SPOTTERS TO REPORT SNOWFALL TOTALS AND TRAVEL RELATED
IMPACTS.

DEWALD

In the hours before

Local storm report, Dec 23, 8:15 PM CST, 5 hours 45 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OMAHA/VALLEY NEBRASKA
815 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0815 PM     FREEZING RAIN    PANAMA                  41.73N 95.48W
12/23/2009  E0.00 INCH       SHELBY             IA   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            FREEZING RAIN TOOK DOWN A SMALL POWER LINE. ABOUT A CITY
            BLOCK WITHOUT POWER.

&&

MILLER
Local storm report, Dec 23, 9:05 PM CST, 4 hours 55 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OMAHA/VALLEY NEBRASKA
905 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0905 PM     SNOW             CROFTON                 42.73N 97.50W
12/23/2009  M3.1 INCH        KNOX               NE   CO-OP OBSERVER

            3.1 INCHES SINCE ABOUT 2 PM TODAY. WATER EQUIVALENT IS
            0.36 INCHES.

&&

MILLER
Local storm report, Dec 23, 10:13 PM CST, 3 hours 47 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OMAHA/VALLEY NEBRASKA
1013 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1011 PM     FREEZING RAIN    1 E FRIEND              40.65N 97.26W
12/23/2009  U0.00 INCH       SALINE             NE   EMERGENCY MNGR

            POWER LINE DOWN DUE TO EARLIER FREEZING RAIN EAST OF
            FRIEND ALONG HIGHWAY 6.

&&

MILLER

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

30 winter storm, 30 blizzard. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Saunders

When
December 24, 2:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Saunders forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.226, -96.637 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 15 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Winter Storm, Butler

When
December 24, 2:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Butler forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.226, -97.132 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 15 inches over the county with 12.5 inches measured in David City among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Seward

When
December 24, 2:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Seward forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.872, -97.139 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding towns. Around 1000 residents of Milford lost power for a while Christmas day when the strong winds shorted power lines that were coated in ice from an ice storm a few days prior.

Winter Storm, Lancaster

When
December 24, 2:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Lancaster forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
40.784, -96.688 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Interstate 80 was closed for a while both east and west of Lincoln. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 47 mph was recorded by the Asos in Lincoln. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 14 inches over the county with around 13 inches measured in Lincoln and near Raymond. The city of Lincoln reported that it cost $1.2 million for snow removal alone from the storm, and a local electric company reported that the storm, partially caused from freezing rain that preceded it, caused $60,000 worth of damage in the county.

Winter Storm, Cass

When
December 24, 2:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Cass forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.910, -96.141 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Interstate 80 was closed for a while east of Lincoln. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over the county with around 10 inches measured near Weeping Water among the highest reported. The winds and snow produced drifts that were in excess of 10 feet in rural areas.

Winter Storm, Antelope

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Antelope forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
42.177, -98.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over much of the county, with 15.5 inches measured in Neligh among the highest reported. The snow and strong winds caused 200 customers in the Oakdale area to lose power for around 3.5 hours Christmas Day.

Winter Storm, Knox

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Knox forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
42.637, -97.892 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county, with 15 inches measured near Verdel and around 16 inches measured in Bloomfield among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Cedar

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Cedar forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
42.599, -97.252 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 13 to 18 inches over most of the county with 17 inches measured near Hartington among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Pierce

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Pierce forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
42.264, -97.601 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 18 inches over most of the county based on surrounding observations.

Winter Storm, Madison

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Madison forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.917, -97.601 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 47 mph was measured by the Asos near Norfolk. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 14 to 19 inches over most of the county with around 19 inches measured in Norfolk among the highest reported. Drifts over 10 feet were common in rural areas, and the weight of the snow caused damage to the roofs of 2 warehouses.

Winter Storm, Platte

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Platte forecast zone
Deaths
0 direct, 1 indirect
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.571, -97.521 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 49 mph was measured by the Awos in Columbus. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 14 to 18 inches over most of the county with around 16.3 inches measured in Columbus among the highest reported. A 19-year-old male was killed when he was struck by snow removal equipment when assisting its removal a few days after the storm. In addition, LPPD reported that 1,450 customers in Platte Center, Lindsay, Monroe, Tarnov and Creston temporarily lost power during the storm. The city of Columbus spent $43,000 alone just for labor for snow removal.

Winter Storm, Colfax

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Colfax forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.574, -97.086 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 14 to 16 inches over most of the county with 16 inches measured in Schuyler among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Wayne

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Wayne forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
42.209, -97.119 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over most of the county with 13 inches measured in Wayne among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Stanton

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Stanton forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.917, -97.194 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm and around 1,450 homes lost their power for a while. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 17 inches over most of the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Winter Storm, Cuming

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Cuming forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.916, -96.787 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Winter Storm, Thurston

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Thurston forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
42.158, -96.544 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Winter Storm, Burt

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Burt forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.852, -96.329 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 45 mph was recorded by the Asos in Tekamah. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 8 to 16 inches over most of the county based on observations from surrounding towns and 8 inches measured in Tekamah.

Winter Storm, Dodge

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Dodge forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.578, -96.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county with around 14 inches measured in Fremont among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Washington

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Washington forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.531, -96.222 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county with around 13 inches measured in Ft. Calhoun among the highest reported. The Blair city administrator commented that it was one of the worst storms to hit the area in the last 30 to 40 years and it produced drifts over 15 feet in rural areas.

Winter Storm, Douglas

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Douglas forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
41.295, -96.154 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 47 mph was measured by the Asos at Omaha-Eppley. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 15 inches over the county with around 14.5 inches measured at the NWS near Valley, 15.2 inches measured in Bennington and 11.5 inches measured at Eppley among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Sarpy

When
December 24, 3:00 AM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Sarpy forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.113, -96.112 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Interstate 80 was also closed from near Gretna westward for a while. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 47 mph was measured by the Asos at Omaha-Eppley. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 15 inches over the county with around 15 inches measured near Gretna and around 14.5 inches measured in Papillion among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Boone

When
December 24, 5:00 AM CST to December 27, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Boone forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.707, -98.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow lasting into the morning hours of the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm, with a peak wind of 53 mph measured at the Awos in Albion. Snowfall from the storm was estimated at 7 to 10 inches based on surrounding observations and drifts of 10 to 12 feet were observed in rural areas.

Winter Storm, Saline

When
December 24, 12:00 PM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Saline forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.524, -97.141 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 7 to 10 inches over the county with 8 inches measured near Friend among the highest reported. Some drifts over 7 feet were reported by emergency management who also stated it was the worst storm to hit the area in over 30 year. The snow and blowing snow necessitated the suspension of snow removal equipment during the height of the storm.

Winter Storm, Jefferson

When
December 24, 12:00 PM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Jefferson forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.176, -97.143 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 5 to 7 inches over the county with 5 inches measured in Fairbury among the highest reported. However, the strong winds caused substantial drifting with some drifts of 5 to 7 feet reported.

Winter Storm, Gage

When
December 24, 12:00 PM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Gage forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.262, -96.689 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak wind of 49 mph was measured by the Awos in Beatrice. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 6 to 10 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding communities. Drifts of 7 feet were common in rural areas and the highway superintendent commented that it was the worst storm he had seen in quite a while.

Winter Storm, Otoe

When
December 24, 12:00 PM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Otoe forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.649, -96.135 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak wind of 46 mph was measured by the Awos in Nebraska City. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 7 to 11 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding communities.

Winter Storm, Johnson

When
December 24, 12:00 PM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Johnson forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.393, -96.265 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 7 to 11 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding communities.

Winter Storm, Pawnee

When
December 24, 12:00 PM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Pawnee forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.132, -96.237 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 8 to 12 inches over the county with a little over 11 inches measured in Pawnee City among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Nemaha

When
December 24, 12:00 PM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Nemaha forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.388, -95.850 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over the county with around 14 inches measured near Auburn among the highest reported.

Winter Storm, Richardson

When
December 24, 12:00 PM CST to December 27, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Richardson forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
40.125, -95.717 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak wind gust of 46 mph was measured by the Awos in Falls City. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over the county with around 14 inches measured near Shubert among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Saunders

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 10:00 AM CST
Where
Saunders forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.226, -96.637 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm reducing visibilities to near zero, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 15 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Blizzard, Douglas

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 10:00 AM CST
Where
Douglas forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
41.295, -96.154 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 47 mph was measured by the Asos at Omaha-Eppley. This frequently dropped visibilities below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 15 inches over the county with around 14.5 inches measured at the NWS near Valley, 15.2 inches measured in Bennington and 11.5 inches measured at Eppley among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Sarpy

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 10:00 AM CST
Where
Sarpy forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.113, -96.112 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Interstate 80 was also closed from near Gretna westward for a while. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 47 mph was measured by the Asos at Omaha-Eppley. This caused visibilities to frequently drop below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 15 inches over the county with around 15 inches measured near Gretna and around 14.5 inches measured in Papillion among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Washington

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Washington forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.531, -96.222 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused visibilities to frequently drop below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas, making travel nearly impossible and stranding some vehicles. One family that became disoriented in the blinding snow had to be rescued by a snowplow. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county with around 13 inches measured in Ft. Calhoun among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Burt

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Burt forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.852, -96.329 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 45 mph was recorded by the Asos in Tekamah. This caused visibilities to frequently fall below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 8 to 16 inches over most of the county based on observations from surrounding towns and 8 inches measured in Tekamah.

Blizzard, Thurston

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Thurston forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
42.158, -96.544 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused visibilities to frequently fall below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Blizzard, Seward

When
December 24, 7:30 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Seward forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.872, -97.139 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. Visibilities were frequently reduced to 1/4 mile or less, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Blizzard, Saline

When
December 24, 7:30 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Saline forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.524, -97.141 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period. This caused visibilities to frequently fall below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 7 to 10 inches over the county with 8 inches measured near Friend among the highest reported. Some drifts over 7 feet were reported by emergency management which caused the suspension of snow removal equipment during the height of the storm.

Blizzard, Jefferson

When
December 24, 7:30 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Jefferson forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.176, -97.143 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused visibilities to drop to near zero, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 5 to 7 inches over the county with 5 inches measured in Fairbury among the highest reported. However, the strong winds caused substantial drifting with some drifts of 5 to 7 feet reported.

Blizzard, Lancaster

When
December 24, 7:30 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Lancaster forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
40.784, -96.688 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Interstate 80 was closed for a while east of Lincoln. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 47 mph was recorded by the Asos in Lincoln. This caused visibilities to frequently drop below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 14 inches over the county with around 13 inches measured in Lincoln and near Raymond.

Blizzard, Gage

When
December 24, 7:30 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Gage forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.262, -96.689 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak wind of 49 mph was measured by the Awos in Beatrice. This caused visibilities to frequently drop below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 6 to 10 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding communities.

Blizzard, Otoe

When
December 24, 7:30 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Otoe forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.649, -96.135 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak wind of 46 mph was measured by the Awos in Nebraska City. This caused frequent visibilities reductions to below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 7 to 11 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding communities.

Blizzard, Johnson

When
December 24, 7:30 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Johnson forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.393, -96.265 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This dropped visibilities below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 7 to 11 inches over the county based on observations from surrounding communities.

Blizzard, Pawnee

When
December 24, 7:30 PM CST to December 25, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Pawnee forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.132, -96.237 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This dropped visibilities frequently below 1/4 mile. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 8 to 12 inches over the county with a little over 11 inches measured in Pawnee City among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Nemaha

When
December 24, 8:00 PM CST to December 25, 5:00 PM CST
Where
Nemaha forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.388, -95.850 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused frequent visibility reductions below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over the county with around 14 inches measured near Auburn among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Richardson

When
December 24, 8:00 PM CST to December 25, 5:00 PM CST
Where
Richardson forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.125, -95.717 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began around noon Christmas Eve and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak wind gust of 46 mph was measured by the Awos in Falls City. This caused visibilities to frequently fall below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over the county with around 14 inches measured near Shubert among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Wayne

When
December 24, 9:00 PM CST to December 26, 1:00 AM CST
Where
Wayne forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
42.209, -97.119 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This frequently reduced visibilities below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over most of the county with 13 inches measured in Wayne among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Madison

When
December 24, 9:00 PM CST to December 26, 1:00 AM CST
Where
Madison forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.917, -97.601 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 47 mph was measured by the Asos near Norfolk. This caused visibilities to frequently fall below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 14 to 19 inches over most of the county with around 19 inches measured in Norfolk among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Stanton

When
December 24, 9:00 PM CST to December 26, 1:00 AM CST
Where
Stanton forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.917, -97.194 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused visibilities to frequently fall to near zero, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 17 inches over most of the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Blizzard, Cuming

When
December 24, 9:00 PM CST to December 26, 1:00 AM CST
Where
Cuming forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.916, -96.787 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This reduced visibilities below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county based on observations from surrounding towns.

Blizzard, Butler

When
December 24, 10:00 PM CST to December 25, 11:00 PM CST
Where
Butler forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.226, -97.132 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This reduced many visibilities to below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 15 inches over the county with 12.5 inches measured in David City among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Platte

When
December 24, 10:00 PM CST to December 25, 11:00 PM CST
Where
Platte forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.571, -97.521 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. A peak gust of 49 mph was measured by the Awos in Columbus. This caused near white-out conditions, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 14 to 18 inches over most of the county with around 16.3 inches measured in Columbus among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Colfax

When
December 24, 10:00 PM CST to December 25, 11:00 PM CST
Where
Colfax forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.574, -97.086 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused frequent visibilities to drop below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 14 to 16 inches over most of the county with 16 inches measured in Schuyler among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Dodge

When
December 24, 10:00 PM CST to December 25, 11:00 PM CST
Where
Dodge forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.578, -96.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused visibilities to frequently drop to 1/4 mile or less. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county with around 14 inches measured in Fremont among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Cass

When
December 24, 10:00 PM CST to December 25, 7:00 AM CST
Where
Cass forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.910, -96.141 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many rural roads and some highways for a few days. Interstate 80 was closed for a while east of Lincoln. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused frequent visibility reductions to below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 10 to 14 inches over the county with around 10 inches measured near Weeping Water among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Cedar

When
December 24, 11:00 PM CST to December 26, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Cedar forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
42.599, -97.252 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This frequently reduced visibilities below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Twenty stranded motorists had to be rescued by snowplows on Highway 81 and the County Commissioner commented that it was the worst storm to hit the area since 1968. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 13 to 18 inches over most of the county with 17 inches measured near Hartington among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Pierce

When
December 24, 11:00 PM CST to December 26, 12:00 AM CST
Where
Pierce forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
42.264, -97.601 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This frequently reduced visibilities below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 18 inches over most of the county based on surrounding observations.

Blizzard, Boone

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to December 26, 11:00 AM CST
Where
Boone forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
41.707, -98.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow lasting into the morning hours of the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm, with a peak wind of 53 mph measured at the Awos in Albion. This caused visibilities to frequently fall below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Snowfall from the storm was estimated at 7 to 10 inches based on surrounding observations.

Blizzard, Antelope

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to December 26, 11:00 AM CST
Where
Antelope forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
42.177, -98.067 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 45 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused visibilities to frequently fall below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over much of the county, with 15.5 inches measured in Neligh among the highest reported.

Blizzard, Knox

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to December 26, 11:00 AM CST
Where
Knox forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
42.637, -97.892 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged winter storm/blizzard hit the area closing many roads and highways and bringing most traffic to a standstill for a few days. Snowfall from the storm began Christmas Eve morning and lasted well into the 26th with substantial blowing and drifting snow and occasional periods of accumulating snow finally tapering off around midnight on the 27th. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 mph occurred for an extended period during the height of the storm. This caused visibilities to frequently fall below 1/4 mile, especially in open areas. Total snowfall from the storm was estimated at 12 to 16 inches over most of the county, with 15 inches measured near Verdel and around 16 inches measured in Bloomfield among the highest reported.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

EventDateAgeSexWhereKind
Winter Storm, Platte2009-12-2419MaleOutside/Open AreasIndirect

What these are

Winter Storm
A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Blizzard
Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile for three hours or longer.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Nebraska in 2009Every state in 2009This day in weather historyWarnings in Nebraska, December 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 202603, 202604, 202605, 202608, 202610, 202574, 202575, 202576, 202578, 202579, 202580, 202581, 202582, 202583, 202584, 202586, 202588, 202592, 202594, 202596, 202602, 202572, 202613, 202614, 202615, 202616, 202617, 202618, 202619, 202620, 202629, 202634, 202635, 202647, 202648, 202649, 202636, 202637, 202638, 202639, and more.