Winter Nightmare: Omaha Braces for Extreme Weather and Possible Blackouts

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Omaha is in for a rough night as a powerful winter storm moves in Tuesday evening, bringing heavy snow, hurricane-force winds, and dangerous travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 3 a.m. Wednesday, urging residents to stay home and prepare for possible power outages.

From Warm to Wild: A Drastic Weather Shift

The day will start off deceptively mild, with temperatures climbing into the mid-50s by early afternoon. But don’t get too comfortable—a dramatic temperature drop will send readings plummeting into the low 30s by sunset.

Sometime between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., the rain will quickly turn to snow. The combination of dropping temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ferocious winds up to 70 mph will create near-blizzard conditions.

Most of the Omaha metro area is expected to see 2 inches of snow, but some spots could get up to 6 inches. The real concern, however, isn’t the snow itself—it’s the wind. Blinding whiteout conditions and dangerously low visibility will make travel nearly impossible Tuesday night.

Winter Nightmare: Omaha Braces for Extreme Weather and Possible Blackouts

Officials Urge Residents to Stay Off the Roads

With such extreme weather conditions, authorities are strongly advising people to avoid unnecessary travel once the storm arrives.

“The weather is going to be so severe that even first responders will have a tough time reaching people in an emergency,” warned Lt. Tim Owens of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

If you must travel, make sure to have an emergency kit in your car with warm clothes, food, water, and a flashlight. But if possible, stay home and wait for conditions to improve.

Power Outages Likely as Winds Howl

The intense winds won’t just make driving hazardous—they could also bring down trees and power lines, leading to outages across the region. Residents should prepare by:

  • Charging phones and devices ahead of time.
  • Having flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets ready.
  • Avoiding candles to reduce fire risk during a blackout.
  • Keeping refrigerators closed to preserve food if the power goes out.

What Happens After the Storm?

Thankfully, this storm won’t stick around for long. Temperatures will climb above freezing on Wednesday, helping to melt the snow. However, gusty winds will linger, making it feel colder than it actually is.

By Thursday, expect calmer weather with highs in the low 40s. Another round of rain and snow is possible Friday, though details are still uncertain. The weekend looks much better, with temperatures warming into the 50s by Sunday—a much-needed break from this wild winter blast.

Final Thoughts: Be Ready and Stay Safe

Omaha is in for a rough night, but staying prepared can make all the difference. If you don’t have to be out, stay inside, stay warm, and stay safe. Keep an eye on local weather updates, and be ready for anything as this storm rolls through.

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