Winter weather causes closures, cancellations and postponements of activities

Platte County has been on ice storm warnings since noon on Monday, January 2nd.

David Eastlack, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Omaha/Valley office, said it started to rain around that time on January 2. .

“There were areas all over northeast Nebraska that had freezing rain last night,” Eastluck told Telegram on Jan. 3.

“Two miles northeast of the Pratt Center there was an inch of snow. That’s probably a common amount around Columbus. In northeastern Nebraska, near the border with South Dakota, there’s about 15 inches of snow.” You can see some places.”

In preparation for the weather, Lakeview Community School announced on social media that it will be extending its winter break. Classes were supposed to start on January 3rd, but ended up being canceled.

Columbus Public Schools and Scotas Central Catholic will not return to classes until later this week, but both school districts have canceled or postponed scheduled activities due to the expected circumstances.

CPS announced on January 2 that it would close all buildings the next day, except for essential personnel.Buildings are due to be reported on Wednesday 4th January and classes have resumed on Thursday 5th January

Columbus Community Hospital also announced that it will close its cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prehospital units on January 2. Additionally, the Lindsay Medical Clinic had a late start for the day and the Humphrey Medical Clinic was closed.

The Columbus Family Practice Clinic and Fast Track also had a delayed start at 10am on January 2nd.

The ice advisory expired at noon on Jan. 3, but the winter weather advisory will remain in effect until 6 p.m. the same day, according to Platte County Emergency Manager Tim Hofbauer. was.

“We spoke with the[National]Weather Service yesterday (January 2nd) and they said a degree or two warmer and a degree or two colder would have a big impact on the amount of ice we have. It showed that it can make a difference,” Hofbauer said. “It got a little warmer all night, just below 34 degrees. We had some rain and then hail, so we were lucky to get a high start. and kept it to a minimum.”

Hofbauer added that the storm started around 3 a.m. and lasted about 10 to 15 minutes.

Looking forward, Eastlack said the forecast will be dry for the rest of the week.

“Temperatures are generally highs in the high 20s and lows in the 30s through the weekend,” Eastluck said.

Hofbauer added that conditions will remain smooth for some time.

“We’re seeing a warmup in the long-term forecast late next week, so some of this could melt away,” Hofbauer said. “It’s going to be cold for the next few days, so this ice will be around for a while.”