Things have changed regarding the storm since the 3 o’clock hour. Corey Mead, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, tells KLIN News that a warm layer of air above the ground has prevented the precipitation changing from freezing rain to snow. Additionally, a pocket of dry air moved from Kansas into Southeast Nebraska to Interstate 80 at about 3 PM. The dry air is causing much of the precipitation is evaporating before it hits the ground.
“What we’re looking at going forward is that there is an axis of moderate to heavy snow ongoing across part of south central Nebraska,” said Mead. “Latest indications are that that area of snow will develop northeast this evening and glance the Lincoln area.”
Mead says snow should now move into Lincoln from 5 to 7 or 8 PM. There could be a brief period of heavier snow for an hour or two. Some light snowfall or flurries could still be taking place up to about 6 AM Thursday morning. All told, Lincoln residents can expect “two, maybe five inches” of snow.
The winds will remain gusty in the afternoon and evening hours. Peak wind gusts may reach 35 miles per hour. Freezing rain is expected to continue.