Winter Weather in Nebraska, December 1 to 2, 2018

Name: Winter Weather in Nebraska, December 1 to 2, 2018
Start: 2018-12-01T05:00
End: 2018-12-02T22:00
Location: Nebraska

December 1 to 2, 2018 · NWS GID · 22 events in 21 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 22 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

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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 22

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 GID wrote it up.

During a roughly 36-hour period between the morning of Saturday the 1st and the evening of Sunday the 2nd, South Central Nebraska observed off-and-on rounds of snow, with cumulative totals generally ranging from 1-4 in most counties along/east of Highway 281, to generally 3-5 in most counties west of Highway 281. A couple of exceptions to this lower east/higher west generalization included Greeley and Polk counties, which (like many western areas) picked up a solid 3-5. Per NWS cooperative observers, some of the highest official totals featured: 5.5 in Holdrege, 5.1 near Shelby, 5.0 in Beaver City, 4.9 at Kearney, 4.7 in Cambridge and 4.5 in Ord. While this was not a true blizzard by any means, occasional visibility reductions to one-half mile or less were noted, especially on the afternoon and evening of the 1st, when sustained north winds of 20-25 MPH and frequent gusts of 30-40 MPH were most prevalent.

Backing up in time a bit, snow was not the only story associated with this long-duration event, as it actually started off as a significant late-autumn rain-producer. In fact, most of the 24-county area measured 1-2 of soaking rain between the afternoon of Nov. 30th and the morning of the 1st, before precipitation finally switched over to snow. Due in part to much of the initial precipitation falling as rain, along with the fact that a significant batch of mid-level dry air got wrapped into the heart of the parent low pressure system, snowfall totals in most of the area fell well-short of expectations (many places only received about half of what was originally forecasted). In the mid-upper levels, the main driving force was a strong, slow-moving low pressure system that tracked from south central KS on the morning of the 1st to the IA/MO border area by the morning of the 2nd before weakening and shearing-out eastward into the Midwest. The intermittent areas of snow that persisted across the local area through most of the 1st-2nd were supported by weaker lobes of energy rotating around the backside of the parent system. At the surface, the associated low pressure center peaked in intensity around 988 millibars over eastern KS on the 1st, thus driving the modestly-strong north winds over Nebraska.

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 Hastings, NE wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 1, 3:25 AM CST, 1 hour 35 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 1, 3:25 AM CST, 1 hour 35 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hastings NE
325 AM CST Sat Dec 1 2018

.SHORT TERM...(Today and tonight)
Issued at 324 AM CST Sat Dec 1 2018

Radar continues to show widespread rain and even some heavy rain
across the forecast area early this morning. A few locations have
reported some unknown precipitation, but still feel that most
locations have rain and not mixed precipitation. Temperatures are
mostly in the 34 to 38 degree range. There haven't been lightning
strikes in the past hour or so.

First, the change over to snow. At this time, it still looks on
track to start mixing with snow in the northwest before day break.
The change over will gradually move to the east during the morning.
Have the temperatures warming enough that there could be a westward
trend in the rain/snow line for a time this afternoon. During the
later afternoon and into the evening, snow should spread across the
area. Another part of this will be whether there will be any
freezing rain or sleet. There appears to be a lot less chance for
freezing precipitation. If there is any, it would be very short
lived as the rain changes to snow.

The next concern will be snow amounts. The snow amounts will be
dependent on the change over and if the rain continues for a longer
period, they will be lower. The area with the most question will be
the south and east part of the area where there will be more rain
for a longer period.

Another question will be whether there will be blowing snow. Winds
will be a little gusty, but feel like the snow will be wet enough
that it will stick, but as we get into the snow a little more, there
could be a little late tonight, especially in the north and west.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday through Friday)
Issued at 324 AM CST Sat Dec 1 2018

The snow continues into Sunday. Models are showing less
precipitation with the system as it moves toward the east. Some of
the models have a bit of drying in the dendritic layer and therefore
have a few patches of freezing rain mixed in on and off through the
day. Finally, Sunday night the system moves out of the area and with
it the snow will gradually come to an end.

A surface high moves into the area Monday through Tuesday night.
Clouds will linger into Monday and Monday night, before moving out
of the area Tuesday. Cold temperatures will settle into the area
with highs only in the 20s to around 30 with lows dipping into the
teens. By Wednesday, the surface high moves to the east. With the
clouds and a little warm advection, highs will climb into the mid
20s to mid 30s.

A cold front will move back through the area Wednesday night and
there could be a little light snow in the north. Temperatures will
drop back into the 20s and even the teens for Friday.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 06Z KGRI/KEAR TAFS through 06Z Saturday)
Issued at 1130 PM CST Fri Nov 30 2018

Rain will continue across the area for much of the night, but will
mix with or change to snow a little before day break. There will
be snow and some blowing snow during the day and into the evening.
There will be IFR conditions until the snow starts then expect
LIFR conditions.

&&

.GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NE...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 PM CST Sunday for NEZ064-076-077-
     082>085.

     Winter Storm Warning until 6 PM CST Sunday for NEZ039>041-
     046>049-060>063-072>075.

KS...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...JCB
LONG TERM...JCB
AVIATION...JCB

Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 1, 4:48 AM CST, 12 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Hastings NE
448 AM CST Sat Dec 1 2018

KSZ005>007-017>019-NEZ039>041-046>049-060>064-072>077-082>087-
021200-
Phillips-Smith-Jewell-Rooks-Osborne-Mitchell-Valley-Greeley-Nance-
Sherman-Howard-Merrick-Polk-Dawson-Buffalo-Hall-Hamilton-York-
Gosper-Phelps-Kearney-Adams-Clay-Fillmore-Furnas-Harlan-Franklin-
Webster-Nuckolls-Thayer-
448 AM CST Sat Dec 1 2018

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

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

A Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory remain in
effect for portions of south central Nebraska. Please refer to the
latest Winter Weather Message for details.

Wintry weather will also occur across north central Kansas and
far south central Nebraska. A total of 1 to 3 inches of snow
could accumulate.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

A Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory continue into
Sunday. Please refer to the latest Winter Weather Message for
details.

Wintry weather will also occur across north central Kansas and
far south central Nebraska Saturday through Sunday. One to 3
inches of snow could accumulate.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight. However,
please relay snowfall amounts to the National Weather Service via
social media or our webpage under submit a report.

&&

More information may be obtained at the following web page:
   https://www.weather.gov/hastings

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

22 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Weather, Buffalo

When: December 1, 5:00 AM CST to December 2, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Buffalo forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.855, -99.075 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 4.9 inches occurred at the Kearney airport. A period of sleet occurred before precipitation turned to all snow, creating a layer of ice under the snow. Also, 3.2 inches fell in Ravenna and 2.9 inches of snow occurred in Miller. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Gosper

When: December 1, 5:00 AM CST to December 2, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Gosper forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.515, -99.831 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 2.6 inches occurred 8 miles south of Elwood. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Phelps

When: December 1, 5:00 AM CST to December 2, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Phelps forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.511, -99.414 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 5.5 inches occurred in Holdrege. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Dawson

When: December 1, 5:00 AM CST to December 2, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Dawson forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 40.870, -99.820 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 2.0 inches was reported 6 miles south southeast of Lexington, reported by a cooperative observer. Also, 3.4 inches of snow occurred 4.4 miles south of Cozad, reported by CoCoRaHs. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Furnas

When: December 1, 5:00 AM CST to December 2, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Furnas forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.177, -99.912 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 5.0 inches occurred at Beaver City, 4.7 inches fell at Cambridge, 4.0 inches fell in Wilsonville, 2.7 inches fell 6 miles north northwest of Oxford, and 2.5 inches fell in Edison. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Harlan

When: December 1, 5:00 AM CST to December 2, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Harlan forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.177, -99.405 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 2.0 inches occurred at Harlan Lake. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Clay

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Clay forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.524, -98.051 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 2.8 inches occurred at Clay Center. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Sherman

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Sherman forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.221, -98.976 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 4.0 inches occurred in Loup City. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Hall

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Hall forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 40.873, -98.502 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 2.3 inches occurred at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Kearney

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Kearney forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.507, -98.948 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 3.5 inches occurred in Minden. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Nuckolls

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Nuckolls forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 40.176, -98.047 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 4.5 inches occurred 6.5 miles northeast of Superior. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Webster

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Webster forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.176, -98.500 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Weather occurred.

Winter Weather, Franklin

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 9:30 PM CST
Where: Franklin forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.176, -98.953 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 4.0 inches occurred in Franklin and 3.0 inches fell in Naponee. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Webster

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 9:30 PM CST
Where: Webster forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.176, -98.500 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 2.8 inches occurred 4 miles southwest of Blue Hill. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Hamilton

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Hamilton forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 40.874, -98.023 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of at least 2.0 was reported six miles north of Aurora by a CoCoRaHS observer. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Howard

When: December 1, 6:00 AM CST to December 2, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Howard forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.220, -98.517 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Although only 1.4 of snow was reported in St. Paul, snowfall analysis maps indicate that much of Howard County likely received 2-3 during this event. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Adams

When: December 1, 7:00 AM CST to December 2, 10:00 PM CST
Where: Adams forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 40.525, -98.501 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 2.4 inches occurred at WFO Hastings, NE. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, York

When: December 1, 7:00 AM CST to December 2, 7:00 PM CST
Where: York forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.873, -97.597 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 3.3 inches occurred 3 miles north of York. Also, 2.8 inches occurred in Bradshaw and 2.0 inches fell near Gresham. A period of sleet occurred before precipitation turned to all snow, creating a layer of ice under the snow. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Greeley

When: December 1, 7:00 AM CST to December 2, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Greeley forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.567, -98.521 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 4.4 inches occurred in Greeley. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Nance

When: December 1, 7:00 AM CST to December 2, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Nance forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.397, -97.992 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 4.0 inches occurred in Belgrade and 3.3 inches fell 2 miles west of Genoa, reported by cooperative observers. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

Winter Weather, Polk

When: December 1, 8:00 AM CST to December 2, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Polk forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.187, -97.568 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 5.1 inches occurred 3 miles northeast of Shelby, with blowing snow and visibility of one quarter to one half mile. Also, 4.3 inches occurred in Osceola, with periods of sleet reported early on Dec. 1st before the precipitation turned into all snow, along with windy conditions. Polk also received 3.0 inches of snow. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight.

Winter Weather, Valley

When: December 1, 9:00 AM CST to December 2, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Valley forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.567, -98.982 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A snowfall total of 4.5 inches occurred in Ord and 4.0 inches in Arcadia. North wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph developed the afternoon of December 1st, lasting into the overnight. This sent visibility down to one mile or less at times.

What these are

Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.

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, December 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: 788174, 788180, 788181, 788187, 798210, 798211, 788172, 788175, 788179, 788183, 788185, 797741, 798224, 798229, 798524, 798526, 788109, 788116, 788173, 788188, 788176, 788113.