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North Platte is predicted to be right in the path of this winter storm according to the National Weather Service.

Blizzard conditions develop tonight and continue into Sunday evening.

A potent winter storm will emerge from the central Rockies tonight, and track across the central plains on Sunday.

Snow, and strong Northerly winds will spread blizzard conditions to almost all of Western and North Central Nebraska. North of winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph are likely Sunday and Sunday afternoon in the Blizzard Warning area. Snow, and blowing snow, will produce Whiteout conditions overnight tonight into Sunday afternoon, making travel extremely hazardous if not impossible. Snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches are likely north of a line from Imperial, to North Platte, to O`neill. Snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches are likely south of this line. Winds are expected to gradually diminish Sunday night, however some blowing and drifting snow will be possible in north central Nebraska through early Monday morning.

Blizzard Warning in effect from 6 pm CST /5 pm mst/ this evening to midnight CST /11 pm mst/ Sunday night.

The National Weather Service in North Platte has issued a Blizzard Warning, which is in effect from 6 pm CST /5 pm mst/ this evening to midnight CST /11 pm mst/ Sunday night. The Winter Storm Watch is no longer in effect.

Timing: rain will change to snow from west to east tonight. Snow is expected to continue Sunday afternoon before tapering off to flurries Sunday evening.
Snow accumulations: of 2 to 8 inches is likely, with the heaviest accumulations over Northwestern Lincoln, Northwestern Custer, and Perkins counties. Lighter amounts are expected over far southeastern portions of Custer and Lincoln County.
Wind: north winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph are expected after the rain changes to snow. This will cause considerable blowing and drifting snow.
Impacts: travel will become very hazardous if not impossible late tonight through Sunday evening due to snow, strong winds, blowing snow and reduced visibility.

 

• Recommended actions

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to Whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
Excerpted from ready.gov

• Before:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.

Sand to improve traction.

Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

• During:

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.