Winter Weather

The North Platte area is experience something we haven't had to contend with for a long time: Winter weather! Winter in this part of the Platte River Valley is usually extremely mild, with light snows and cold, but not frigid, temperatures. All of that changed just before Christmas when the first of two back-to-back storms hit us. There is now about 8-10 inches of snow on the ground, although all of the highways in the area, and most of the major streets have been cleared and are dry. Side streets and some of the streets in the smaller towns are a different matter, though, so EVERYONE BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

Now the weather service is predicting 2-4 inches of new snow tomorrow. By now everyone should be ready for it, but our hearts go out to those who are still experiencing power outages from the last two storms.

For everyone making travel plans this winter, I would like to give you a couple of pieces of advice: First, keep an emergency kit in your car when you travel. This should contain:

• An emergency first aid kit
• ice scraper, shovel and small bag of sand
• three pound coffee can
• matches and candles
• blankets or sleeping bag
• high energy or dehydrated foods
• jumper cables
• flashlights
• battery operated radio
• extra batteries
• red flag or bandana to signal that you are in trouble.

These items could mean the difference between life and death should you become stranded in a snow storm.

Next, please check out the road conditions before you travel, or while you are on the road. You can do this easily by dialing 511 from any phone - landline or cellular. You can also check current conditions on the Nebraska Department of Roads website: http://www.511nebraska.org/ndortip/index.jxp

Checking current weather conditions and forecasts may also be a good idea. You can find these online at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov.

While we love to show off our hospitality to stranded travelers, we know it can be frustrating for you to not be able to reach your destination. If you're traveling through, have a safe trip, and make plans to stop and stay awhile.