Lingering Impacts After Major Omaha Snowstorm

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A major winter storm dumped 6 to 9 inches of snow across the Omaha metro area on Thursday, the biggest snowfall in the city in five years. The heavy snow led to widespread school closures and hazardous travel conditions that are expected to linger into Friday, with slick roads, strong winds, and temperatures struggling to reach the mid-20s Fahrenheit despite ample sunshine.

Why it matters

The significant snowfall and ongoing impacts highlight the challenges Omaha faces from severe winter weather, which can disrupt daily life, commerce, and transportation in the region. The storm also underscores the need for effective snow removal and preparedness efforts to keep the city functioning during major winter events.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, Eppley Airfield recorded just over 8 inches of snow, with higher totals of nearly 9 inches reported in Bennington and around 7 inches in Lincoln, Millard, Wahoo, Fremont, and Offutt Air Force Base. The heavy, wet snow began falling Thursday morning and continued through the afternoon before tapering off. Lingering cloud cover, strong winds, and the substantial snow cover are expected to keep temperatures in the teens and 20s Fahrenheit through the weekend, with wind chills dipping below zero at times.

• The winter storm began on Thursday morning and continued through the afternoon, with the heaviest snow falling between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• As of Friday morning, the snow has stopped falling but lingering impacts are expected to persist through the day and into the weekend.

What’s next

Omaha city crews will continue snow removal efforts over the next several days to clear roads and make travel safer. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel if possible until conditions improve.