Families in Sarpy County Embrace Unexpected Snowfall

Residents build snow angels, have snowball fights, and help clear sidewalks during rare winter weather event.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Families across Sarpy County, Nebraska made the most of an unexpected snowfall, embracing the winter weather by building snow angels, throwing snowballs, and helping neighbors clear sidewalks. Residents in Papillion and Bellevue reported that city snow plowing efforts kept roads clear, allowing families to enjoy the snow day off from school.

Why it matters

Sarpy County, located just south of Omaha, does not typically experience heavy snowfall, so this unexpected winter weather event provided a rare opportunity for residents to enjoy classic cold-weather activities like playing in the snow. The community response highlights the resilience and neighborly spirit of Sarpy County families.

The details

Denise, a visitor from San Antonio, arrived just as the snow began falling and made the most of the timing, building snow angels with her sister before the plows came through. Families across the county spent the afternoon playing in their front yards, while others focused on clearing paths for their neighbors. In Papillion, resident Mathew Stevens said the city did a good job keeping the roads clear, with snowplows and snowblowers working through the night. The Hall family in Olde Town Bellevue cleared their driveway before planning to spend the rest of the day indoors, enjoying hot cocoa.

  • The snow began falling on the afternoon of February 20, 2026.

The players

Denise

A visitor from San Antonio who arrived in Sarpy County just as the snow began falling and embraced the winter weather by building snow angels with her sister.

Mathew Stevens

A resident of Papillion, Nebraska who said the city did a good job keeping the roads clear during the snowfall.

The Hall Family

A family in Olde Town Bellevue, Nebraska who cleared their driveway and planned to spend the rest of the day indoors enjoying hot cocoa.

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What they’re saying

“We did snow angels when it was still nice and pristine, before the snow plows came, went back in and got warm, came back out again.”

— Denise

“They're pretty on in with the plowing, there were people doing the snowblowers last night, trucks going through.”

— Mathew Stevens, Papillion Resident

“We will hangout out in the warmth and get some hot coco after cleaning up all this snow.”

— The Hall Family

The takeaway

This unexpected snowfall in Sarpy County provided a rare opportunity for families to enjoy classic winter activities like building snow angels and having snowball fights. Despite the unusual weather, the community response highlighted the resilience and neighborly spirit of local residents, who worked together to clear sidewalks and keep roads passable.