Record-breaking snowfall hits parts of Nebraska, shuts down large stretch of I-80
A powerful snowstorm swept through Nebraska and Colorado on March 7, 2024, leaving behind record-breaking snowfall, closing highways and schools, and setting new daily and all-time snowfall records in parts of Nebraska.
At NWS North Platte, a record-breaking 38.9 cm (15.3 inches) of snow was recorded for the calendar day March 7, setting a new daily record and a new all-time record for the greatest snowfall in a single day. The previous record was 35.3 cm (13.9 inches) set on January 18, 2023.
The snow continued falling and by 06:00 CST on March 8, the event’s total snowfall was 44 cm (17.4 inches). Record keeping in North Platte started in 1874.
In response to the severe weather conditions, the Nebraska Department of Transportation closed a 205 km (128 miles) long stretch of Interstate 80 westbound between Kearney and Paxton late March 7 (LT, early morning March 8 UTC), as well as the eastbound lanes between Sidney and Gothenburg, due to unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, Highway 30 between Ogallala and Gothenburg was also impassable.
⛔️I-80 WB closed from Lexington to Paxton.
— Nebraska 511 (@Nebraska511) March 8, 2024
⛔️ I-80 EB closed from Ogallala to Gothenburg.
Due to numerous trucks and vehicles stalled or blocking the roadway .
US-30 EB/WB is impassible from Ogallala to Gothenburg. Due to the snow depth and road conditions. pic.twitter.com/pFi6kZCZ6c
Educational institutions across the region, including McCook Community College and the Mid-Plains Community College campuses in North Platte, Broken Bow, Imperial, Ogallala, and Valentine, were forced to close their doors, alongside Lexington, Kenesaw, and Minden Public Schools. The City of Kearney also announced the closure of the Peterson Senior Activity Center, highlighting the widespread effect of the snowstorm on community facilities.
As of Friday morning, March 8, 24 counties in southwest and south central Nebraska were under a winter weather advisory. “Roads continue to report covered, impassable or closed. Limit travel if possible as conditions will be very difficult if not impossible,” NWS said.
[03/08 5:05am CST]
— NWS North Platte (@NWSNorthPlatte) March 8, 2024
There's an interstate under there somewhere. That interstate also happens to be closed as of 03/08 5am CST.
Limit unnecessary travel and if necessary, keep up with road conditions at https://t.co/WSvdMWNLMP. #NEwx
📌Interstate 80 at Exit 177 (North Platte) pic.twitter.com/LGRMOPEaaX
“Light snow will continue to fall through the morning hours, tapering towards afternoon. Use caution if you must travel as roads will be slick and snow-covered,” NWS North Platte meteorologists said at 09:18 CST (16:18 UTC).
The Winter Weather Advisory has been extended until noon CT. Light snow will continue to fall through the morning hours, tapering towards afternoon. Use caution if you must travel as roads will be slick and snow covered. #NEwx pic.twitter.com/gWDweElgmb
— NWS North Platte (@NWSNorthPlatte) March 8, 2024
Neighboring Colorado also grappled with the snowstorm’s effects, with areas such as Yuma and Fleming recording significant snowfall totals of 29.2 cm (11.5 inches) and 24.6 cm (9.7 inches), respectively.
References:
1 March snowstorm closes highways and schools – Local4 – March 8, 2024
2 Record snows shut down 128-mile stretch of Nebraska’s I-80 – FOX Weather – March 8, 2024
Featured image credit: Nebraska DOT
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