Blizzard and Hail in Nebraska, April 13 to 14, 2018

Name: Blizzard and Hail in Nebraska, April 13 to 14, 2018
Start: 2018-04-13T05:00
End: 2018-04-14T21:00
Location: Nebraska

April 13 to 14, 2018 · NWS LBF · 28 events in 26 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 26 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: $50,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 28

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 LBF wrote it up.

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.

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 North Platte, NE wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 13, 1:36 AM MST, 3 hours 24 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 13, 1:36 AM MST, 3 hours 24 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service North Platte NE
336 AM CDT Fri Apr 13 2018

.SHORT TERM...(Today and tonight)
Issued at 336 AM CDT Fri Apr 13 2018

Models in fair agreement early this morning. Temperatures in the 40s
and 50s over western Nebraska with some mid level instability
producing thunderstorms through the central Nebraska Sandhills. These
storms have indications of producing some small hail. They should
move northeast out of the forecast area quickly this morning. Winds
increasing over the southern Nebraska Panhandle into northeast
Colorado. These north winds will shift east through the morning and
increase through the morning. Cooler air will move into the
northwest around sunrise with a change over to all snow. As cooler
air fills in the areas of snow will shift southeast and east. 988mb
surface low over north central Kansas early this morning. PWATS not
too impressive, o.43 112 percent last night but deep layer moisture
continues to advect into northern Nebraska. 3 hour pressure rises of
around 4mb in northeast Colorado and falls of around 1mb over
eastern Nebraska. Have lowered snow ratios over western Nebraska
today that were running around 20 to 1 down to 15 to 1 more typical
for this time of year and amount of colder air filtering in tonight.
Highs today at midnight this morning with gradually falling
temperatures through the day.  With colder temperatures tonight snow
and very strong winds that developed through the day will continue
into the evening . Areas of whiteouts this afternoon and this
evening with precipitation moving east through the night. Lows in
the teens and 20s.

.LONG TERM...(Saturday through Thursday)
Issued at 336 AM CDT Fri Apr 13 2018

12Z Saturday and beyond.  Strong mid-level cyclone will begin to
occlude and weaken on Saturday, though a persistent H7 FGEN/TROWAL
will continue to bring moderate snows to eastern portions of the
forecast area through at least mid-day.  Snow rates east of highway
83 may still run up to an inch per hour through mid-morning and as
wind gusts in excess of 50 mph, blizzard conditions will continue.
Saturday afternoon the mod-level cyclone will be far enough east
that we expect some clearing with some weakening of the wind as the
tight pressure gradient weakens.  The drying and clearing continues
into Sunday.  Lows Sunday morning will be downright cold with a deep
snowpack expected.  Teens are expected for most locations, though we
cannot rule out single digits.  Slight modification in high
temperatures are expected as building heights spread east from the
Rockies.

Another system will track across the northern plains on Tuesday,
light QPF may accompany the system for northern Nebraska.
Temperatures continue to moderate, though staying below or near
average.  Will have to watch the next deep trough late next week as
the potential for significant moisture exists.  Though this system
is warmer, so we probably will be more concerned with convection and
heavy rain rather than snow.  Much can change though as the models
have been wobbling.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 06Z TAFS through 06Z Friday night)
Issued at 1134 PM CDT Thu Apr 12 2018

VFR cigs are expected to become MVFR/IFR cigs overnight from north
to south. Rain with isolated thunderstorms is likely overnight
which will spread northeast affecting much of wrn and ncntl Neb.

IFR/LIFR is expected Friday in rain changing to snow from west to
east with winds becoming 35025G40KT. IFR/LIFR in snow, blowing
snow and low cigs is expected to continue Friday evening affecting
all of wrn and ncntl Neb. Winds increase to 35030G45KT.

&&

.LBF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Blizzard Warning from 7 AM CDT /6 AM MDT/ this morning to 1 PM
CDT /noon MDT/ Saturday for NEZ004-005-022>025-035-056>058-069-
094.

Blizzard Warning from 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM CDT Saturday
for NEZ006>010-026>029-036>038-059-070-071.

&&

SHORT TERM...Power
LONG TERM...Jacobs
AVIATION...CDC

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 13, 2:47 AM MST, 2 hours 13 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service North Platte NE
447 AM CDT Fri Apr 13 2018

NEZ004>010-022>029-035>038-056>059-069>071-094-141000-
Sheridan-Eastern Cherry-Keya Paha-Boyd-Brown-Rock-Holt-Garden-
Grant-Hooker-Thomas-Blaine-Loup-Garfield-Wheeler-Arthur-McPherson-
Logan-Custer-Deuel-Keith-Perkins-Lincoln-Chase-Hayes-Frontier-
Western Cherry-
447 AM CDT Fri Apr 13 2018 /347 AM MDT Fri Apr 13 2018/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western and
north central Nebraska.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

Rain and possibly an isolated thunderstorm will continue over the
Panhandle and northwest Nebraska today. This precipitation will
shift east through the day and change over to or mix with snow
from the northwest to the southeast through the day. Strong north
winds and falling temperatures through the day will bring the
change over and blizzard conditions to western Nebraska. Gusts
over 55 mph are possible.

Heavy snow and blowing snow are likely across most of the area
Friday afternoon into Saturday. The highest amounts are expected
towards the South Dakota border, where 15 inches are possible.
Blizzard conditions are expected.

See the Blizzard Warning for further details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

Snow heavy at times...combined with strong north winds will
continue to create blizzard conditions through the day on
Saturday. Conditions are expected to improve over western Nebraska
Saturday evening.

See the Blizzard Warning for further details.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are encouraged to relay snowfall amounts and weather
observations to the National Weather Service through the storm
event Friday into Saturday.

&&

Get your weather, hydrological, and climate information at
http://www.weather.gov/northplatte

power

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 13, 12:20 AM MST, 4 hours 40 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service North Platte NE
220 AM CDT FRI APR 13 2018

NEZ024-036-130800-
Hooker NE-McPherson NE-
220 AM CDT FRI APR 13 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN ARTHUR...
SOUTHEASTERN HOOKER...WESTERN MCPHERSON AND SOUTHWESTERN THOMAS
COUNTIES UNTIL 300 AM CDT/200 AM MDT/...

At 219 AM CDT/119 AM MDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm 18 miles west of Tryon, moving northeast at 40 mph.

Dime size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Sand Beach Lake, Highway 97 crossing the Dismal River, Flatts, Big
Lamunyon Flats, Diamond Bar Lake, Schnick Lake, East Cody Lake and
Shimmons Lake.

This includes the following highways...
 Highway 92 between mile markers 180 and 197.
 Highway 97 between mile markers 38 and 54.

LAT...LON 4192 10124 4180 10084 4176 10084 4141 10123
      4149 10141 4157 10141
TIME...MOT...LOC 0719Z 209DEG 33KT 4152 10129

Jacobs

The radar

The North Platte radar (KLNX), 102 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:18 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

26 blizzard, 2 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Blizzard, Arthur

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Arthur forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.569, -101.696 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer in Arthur reported 8 inches of 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. Highways 92 and 61 became closed, with snow drifts of 3 to 5 feet common throughout Arthur County.

Blizzard, Keith

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Keith forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.199, -101.661 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer in Ogallala reported blizzard conditions and 6 inches of 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 multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 80 late Friday afternoon resulted in multiple people stranded. Snow drifts of 3 to 5 feet were common throughout Keith County.

Blizzard, Deuel

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Deuel forecast zone
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.112, -102.334 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

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.

Blizzard, Perkins

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Perkins forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.851, -101.650 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

General public reported snowfall amounts from 3 to 6 inches with blizzard conditions. 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. A utility company reported power outages in and around Elsie Friday evening. Most roads and highways became closed. Snow drifts of 2 to 4 feet were common throughout Perkins County.

Blizzard, Chase

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Chase forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.524, -101.698 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer in Imperial reported 5 inches of snowfall. Snowfall amounts ranged from 3 to 6 inches across Chase County with blizzard conditions. 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. Power outages were reported in and around Imperial late Friday afternoon. Most roads and highways became closed or very difficult to travel. Snow drifts of 2 to 4 feet were common throughout Chase County.

Blizzard, Garden

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Garden forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.619, -102.335 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer located 10 miles northeast of Oshkosh reported blizzard conditions and 8 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. Highway 26 and other area roads became closed. Snow drifts of 3 to 6 feet were common throughout Garden County.

Blizzard, Sheridan

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Sheridan forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.505, -102.409 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer located 6 miles north of Gordon reported reported blizzard conditions and 6.5 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 to 50 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday afternoon and Friday night, then diminished Saturday morning. Snow drifts of 2 to 5 feet were common throughout Sheridan County.

Blizzard, Western Cherry

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Western Cherry forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.545, -101.119 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

General public reported blizzard conditions and total snowfall amounts from 6 to 10 inches across western Cherry County. 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. Snow drifts of 3 to 6 feet were common throughout western Cherry County.

Blizzard, Grant

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Grant forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.915, -101.740 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

General public reported blizzard conditions and total snowfall amounts from 6 to 9 inches across Grant County. 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. Snow drifts of 3 to 6 feet were common throughout Grant County.

Blizzard, Hooker

When: April 13, 5:00 AM MST to April 14, 11:00 AM MST
Where: Hooker forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.916, -101.135 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Law enforcement reported a blizzard and whiteout conditions mid afternoon Friday. A CoCoRaHS observer located 2 miles south of Mullen reported 14 inches of total snowfall Saturday morning. 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. Highway 2 and other area roads became closed. Snow drifts of 3 to 6 feet were common with drifts up to 12 feet reported throughout Hooker County.

Blizzard, Thomas

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Thomas forecast zone
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.914, -100.556 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Report from Social Media of whiteout conditions with zero visibility in Thedford early Friday evening. Total snowfall amounts of 6 to 9 inches were reported across Thomas County. Moderate to heavy snow developed Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Highway 83, highway 2 and other areas roads became very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon and Friday night. Snow drifts of 3 to 6 feet were reported throughout Thomas County.

Blizzard, Eastern Cherry

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Eastern Cherry forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 42.545, -101.119 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Broadcast Media in Valentine reported whiteout conditions with zero visibility in Valentine by mid afternoon Friday. Total snowfall amounts of 6 to 11 inches were reported across eastern Cherry County. Moderate to heavy snow developed Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Highway 83, highway 2 and other area roads became very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon, Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 3 to 6 feet were reported throughout eastern Cherry County.

Blizzard, Keya Paha

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Keya Paha forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.879, -99.712 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer located 2 miles northwest of Springview reported 12 inches of snowfall. Whiteout conditions with zero visibility developed by mid afternoon Friday. Total snowfall amounts of 10 to 12 inches were reported across Keya Paha County. Moderate to heavy snow developed Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Highway 12 and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon, Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 3 to 7 feet were reported throughout Keya Paha County.

Blizzard, Brown

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Brown forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.430, -99.929 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

General public reported snowfall amounts from 6 to 9 inches across Brown County. Whiteout conditions with zero visibility at times developed by mid afternoon Friday. Moderate to heavy snow developed Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Highway 20 and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon, Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 3 to 5 feet were reported throughout Brown County.

Blizzard, Rock

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Rock forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.421, -99.450 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer reported 16 inches of snowfall. Total snowfall amounts from 6 to 16 inches were reported across Rock County. Whiteout conditions with zero visibility at times developed by mid afternoon Friday. Moderate to heavy snow developed Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Highway 20 and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon, Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 3 to 5 feet were reported throughout Rock County.

Blizzard, Boyd

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Boyd forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.900, -98.766 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer located in Butte reported 10.3 inches of snowfall. Whiteout conditions with zero visibility developed by early Friday evening. Some customers were also without power Friday night into Saturday. Total snowfall amounts of 9 to 11 inches were reported across Boyd County. Moderate to heavy snow developed late Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions by early evening. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday evening. Highways 12 and 281, and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 3 to 7 feet were reported throughout Boyd County.

Blizzard, Holt

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Holt forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.456, -98.784 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer located in O'Neill reported 4 inches of snowfall. Whiteout conditions with zero visibility at times developed by early Friday evening. Total snowfall amounts of 3 to 8 inches were reported across Holt County, with the highest amounts across northwest Holt County. Moderate to heavy snow developed late Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions by early evening. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday evening. Highways 20 and 281, and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 2 to 5 feet were reported throughout Holt County.

Blizzard, Garfield

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Garfield forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 41.914, -98.991 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A CoCoRaHS observer located in Burwell reported 7 inches of snowfall. Whiteout conditions with zero visibility at times developed by early Friday evening. Total snowfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches were reported across Garfield County. Moderate to heavy snow developed late Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions by early evening. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday evening. Highway 91 and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 2 to 5 feet were reported throughout Garfield County.

Blizzard, Wheeler

When: April 13, 6:00 AM CST to April 14, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Wheeler forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.915, -98.528 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

General public reported 3 to 5 inches of snowfall across Wheeler County. Whiteout conditions with zero visibility at times developed by early Friday evening. Moderate to heavy snow developed late Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 to 60 mph at times, resulting in blizzard conditions by early evening. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday evening. Highway 91 and 281, and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 2 to 5 feet were reported throughout Wheeler County.

Hail, Holt

When: April 13, 9:20 AM CST
Where: Holt County, 20.04 mi N of (Onl)o Neill Arpt
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.760, -98.670

Hail, Holt

When: April 13, 9:35 AM CST
Where: Holt County, 16.38 mi NNE of Atkinson
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.750, -98.850

Blizzard, McPherson

When: April 13, 12:00 PM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: McPherson forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.568, -101.060 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

General public reported 6 to 9 inches of total snowfall by Saturday morning. Moderate to heavy snow developed early Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Highway 92 and 97 became closed. Snow drifts of 3 to 6 feet were common with drifts up to 12 feet reported throughout McPherson County.

Blizzard, Lincoln

When: April 13, 12:00 PM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.048, -100.745 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The 911 Call Center reported blizzard conditions soon after 4 pm CST in Lincoln County. Several vehicles became stranded on Interstate 80, including a semi accident near Maxwell which blocked the Interstate. Total snowfall amounts of 3 to 8 inches were reported by Saturday morning. Moderate to heavy snow developed early Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Interstate 80 and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon and Friday night. Snow drifts of 2 to 4 feet were reported throughout Lincoln County.

Blizzard, Logan

When: April 13, 12:00 PM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Logan forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.567, -100.483 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer located 5 miles west of Stapleton reported 7 inches of total snowfall Saturday morning. Total snowfall amounts of 6 to 8 inches were reported across Logan County. Moderate to heavy snow developed early Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Highway 92 and other area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon and Friday night. Snow drifts of 2 to 5 feet were reported throughout Logan County.

Blizzard, Frontier

When: April 13, 12:00 PM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Frontier forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.530, -100.394 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Cooperative observer located 2 miles northwest west of Eustis reported 3 inches of total snowfall Saturday morning. Total snowfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches were reported across Frontier County. Moderate snow developed late Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Highway 83 and other area roads became very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon and Friday night. Snow drifts of 1 to 3 feet were reported throughout Frontier County.

Blizzard, Custer

When: April 13, 12:00 PM CST to April 14, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Custer forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.394, -99.726 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Cooperative observers near Anselmo and Callaway reported blizzard conditions soon after 4 pm CST in Custer County. Some vehicles became stranded on highway 92, including a semi truck which was blown over during the early evening hours. Several hundred customers were also without power during the evening and overnight hours. Total snowfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches were reported by Saturday morning. Moderate to heavy snow developed early Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into Saturday afternoon. Some area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon, Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 2 to 4 feet were reported throughout Custer County.

Blizzard, Blaine

When: April 13, 12:00 PM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Blaine forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.913, -99.977 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Public reported blizzard conditions soon after 3 pm CST in Blaine County. Total snowfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches were reported by Saturday morning. Moderate to heavy snow developed early Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into early Saturday afternoon, then diminished Saturday afternoon. Some area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon, Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 2 to 4 feet were reported throughout Blaine County.

Blizzard, Loup

When: April 13, 12:00 PM CST to April 14, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Loup forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 41.914, -99.454 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A CoCoRaHS observer located 7 miles northeast of Milburn reported 5.5 inches of snowfall. Blizzard conditions developed soon after 3 pm CST in Loup County. Total snowfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches were reported by Saturday morning. Moderate to heavy snow developed early Friday afternoon as northwest winds increased to 30 to 40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph, resulting in blizzard conditions. These strong winds and blizzard conditions continued Friday night into Saturday afternoon. Some area roads became closed or very difficult to travel by late Friday afternoon, Friday night into Saturday. Snow drifts of 2 to 4 feet were reported throughout Loup County.

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.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Blizzard, Deuel	2018-04-13	61	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

What these are

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.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Nebraska in 2018 Every state in 2018 This day in weather history Warnings in Nebraska, April 2018

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: 741192, 741197, 741199, 741231, 741232, 741233, 741234, 741235, 741236, 741423, 741454, 741455, 743301, 743304, 743307, 743312, 743313, 743315, 743317, 746112, 746113, 741426, 741427, 741437, 741438, 743280, 743291, 743293.