A dangerous and powerful winter storm hit much of eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa during the morning and early afternoon hours of Thursday, March 1, 2007. After a lull in the wind...snow and blowing snow late Thursday...strong winds and scattered snow showers moved back across much of the region Friday bringing a return of blizzard or near blizzard conditions.  Although skies cleared Friday night, substantial blowing snow continued over a large part of the area into Saturday morning.  The storm closed most schools across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa both Thursday and Friday.
This storm brought heavy snow combined with very strong northwest winds to create whiteout conditions and near zero visibility.  Wind gusts were frequently over 35 mph with peak gusts of 45 to 58 mph recorded Thursday and peak gusts of 40 to 45 mph measured on Friday.  Travel became impossible for many stranded motorists, and many roads were closed. The storm was associated with an unusually deep low pressure system, which bottomed out around 979 mb over central Iowa Thursday afternoon.  The storm initially developed quickly over eastern Kansas late Wednesday.
Some of the heavier snow amounts for the 24 hours ending Friday morning included...
The Omaha Area
Boystown 12.8 inches, Bennington 12.0, Gretna 12.0, Valley NWS 12.0, 149th and Blondo 11.4, Dodge Park 11.0, Papillion 10.5, Downtown 10.0, Elkhorn 10.0, 120th and Center 9.0, Florence 8.0, Ft. Calhoun 7.7, Omaha Eppley 7.1, Offutt AFB 5-7.
Elsewhere in Eastern Nebraska
Tekamah 11.2 inches, Fremont 9.5-10, Tecumseh 9.5, Syracuse 9.0, Bennett 9.0, Hickman 9.0, Raymond 8.8, Uehling 8.0, Springfield 7.0, Lincoln 6.6, Malcolm 5.3.
Western Iowa
Harlan 16 inches, Onawa 12, Little Sioux 11.7, Underwood 11.2, Oakland 9.5-13, Glenwood 9.5, Hancock 9.2, Kennebec 8.5, Sidney 8.0, Logan 8, Shenandoah 7.

Blizzard in CASS, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 04:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Thunderstorms with sleet and snow moved into the county after midnight on the 1st.  Conditions quickly deteriorated during the morning rush hour as the wintry mix changed to heavy snow and northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists.  The blizzard began around 7 am and generally lasted until 3 pm.  The snow had ended by then and with winds dropping off a bit...visibilities improved to over a mile by 4 pm. Plattsmouth reported 7 to 8 inches of snowfall from this storm.

Blizzard in SAUNDERS, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 03:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Thunderstorms with sleet and snow moved into county after midnight on the 1st. Conditions quickly deteriorated by the morning rush as northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph and the snow became heavy.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists. Blizzard conditions began around 6 am and generally lasted until around 2 pm.  The snow had ended by then and with winds dropping off a bit after that...visibilities improved to over a mile by 3 pm. Drifting snow blew shut roads leading into Mead much of Thursday and even through most of Friday.  It was estimated that snowfall across the county was 7 to 12 inches and Wahoo measured 7 inches from the storm.  However, The NWS in Valley, just a few miles east of the county line, received 12 inches, and Raymond, a few miles south of the county, picked up nearly 9 inches.

Winter Weather in WASHINGTON, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 10:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county late Friday morning March 2nd. Although new snowfall Friday was only an inch or less, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  The snow ended Friday evening, but considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Blizzard in LANCASTER, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 02:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Heavy wet snow moved into the county by the morning rush hour Thursday March 1st.  Conditions quickly deteriorated through mid morning as northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph and temperatures fell a little allowing for a slightly drier snow.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded some motorists. Blizzard conditions began around 8 am and generally lasted until around 11 am.  The storm caused the loss of power for 5,000 LES customer for several hours early Thursday as the wet snow early on stuck to trees and power lines. The snow ended by noon and with winds dropping off a bit after that...visibilities improved to over a mile by 2 pm. Lincoln reported around 6.6 inches of snow from this storm while cooperative observers in Hickman and Raymond measured around 9 inches.

Blizzard in THURSTON, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 06:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

North winds and occasional snow showers moved back across sections of northeast Nebraska during the early morning hours Friday 3/2.  The snow generally ended by Friday evening, and new snowfall Friday was mainly only an inch or two.  However, north winds gusting to 40 mph caused blizzard conditions over the county Friday from late morning until late afternoon with substantial blowing and drifting snow lasting until around noon Saturday.

Blizzard in DOUGLAS, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 03:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Thunderstorms with sleet and snow moved into the county a little after midnight on the 1st.  Conditions quickly deteriorated by the morning rush hour as the wintry mix changed to heavy snow and northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists.  The blizzard began around 6 am and generally lasted until 4 pm.  The snow had ended by then and with winds dropping off a bit...visibilities improved to over a mile by 5 pm.  Heavier snow totals from the storm across the county and in the Omaha area included...Boystown 12.8 inches, Bennington 12.0, Valley NWS 12.0, 149th-Blondo 11.4, Dodge Park 11.0, downtown Omaha 10.0, Elkhorn 10.0, 120th Center 9.0, Florence 8.0, Omaha Eppley 7.1.

Blizzard in WAYNE, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 04:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

North winds and occasional snow showers moved back across sections of northeast Nebraska during the early morning hours Friday 3/2.  The snow generally ended by Friday evening, and new snowfall Friday was mainly only an inch or two.  However, north winds gusting to 40 mph caused blizzard conditions over the county Friday from late morning until late afternoon with substantial blowing and drifting snow lasting until around noon Saturday.  The drifting snow caused some 14 foot snowdrifts on a five mile stretch of Highway 35 near Winside.

Blizzard in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 03:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Heavy snow moved into the county during the predawn hours on the 1st. Conditions quickly deteriorated by the morning rush as northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists. Blizzard conditions began around 6 am and generally lasted until around 4 pm.  The snow had ended by then and with winds dropping off a bit after that...visibilities improved to over a mile by 6 pm. Snowfall of around 12 inches was reported in Scribner, 9 to 10 inches was measured in Fremont and around 8 inches was recorded in Uehling.

Winter Weather in SARPY, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 11:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county late morning Friday March 2nd. Although new snowfall Friday was mostly less than 1 inch, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  The snow ended Friday evening, however, considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Blizzard in JOHNSON, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 04:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Thunderstorms with sleet and snow moved into the county after midnight on the 1st.  Conditions quickly deteriorated during the morning rush hour as the wintry mix changed to heavy snow and northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists.  The blizzard began around 7 am and generally lasted until around 11 am.  The snow had ended by then and with winds dropping off a bit...visibilities improved to over a mile by 1 pm. Tecumseh reported around 9 to 11 inches of snow from this storm.

Winter Weather in CUMING, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 06:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county Friday morning March 2nd. Although new snowfall Friday was only an inch or less, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  Most of the snow ended late Friday afternoon, but considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Winter Weather in CASS, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 12:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county Friday March 2nd around noon. Although new snowfall Friday was only an inch or less, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  The snow ended Friday evening, but considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Winter Weather in WAYNE, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 03:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Although the Blizzard that hit eastern Nebraska and western Iowa on March 1 was mostly east of Wayne county, much of the county did pick up several inches of snow from this first round.  When combined with north winds gusting over 40 mph, substantial blowing and drifting snow occurred, especially in open areas.  Conditions became even worse on March 2 as more snow combined with still strong winds to produce whiteout conditions.

Blizzard in OTOE, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 05:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Thunderstorms with sleet and snow moved into the county after midnight on the 1st.  Conditions quickly deteriorated during the morning rush hour as the wintry mix changed to heavy snow and northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists.  The blizzard began around 7 am and generally lasted until around noon.  The snow had ended by then and with winds dropping off a bit...visibilities improved to over a mile by 3 pm. Syracuse reported around 9 inches of snowfall from this storm.  The snow and blowing snow close many east-west roads including Highway 2 between Nebraska City and Lincoln.

Blizzard in SARPY, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 03:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Thunderstorms with sleet and snow moved into the county a little after midnight on the 1st.  Conditions quickly deteriorated by the morning rush hour as the wintry mix changed to heavy snow and northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists.  The blizzard began around 6 am and generally lasted until 4 pm.  The snow had ended by then and with winds dropping off a bit...visibilities improved to over a mile by 5 pm. Heavier snow totals from the storm across the county included...Gretna 12.0 inches, Papillion 10.5, and Offutt AFB
5-7 inches.

Winter Weather in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 08:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county Friday morning March 2nd. Although new snowfall Friday was only an inch or less, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  Most of the snow ended late Friday afternoon, but considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Winter Weather in DOUGLAS, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 11:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county late morning Friday March 2nd. Although new snowfall Friday was mostly less than 1 inch, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  The snow ended Friday evening, however, considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Winter Weather in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 10:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county late Friday morning March 2nd.  Although new snowfall Friday was only an inch or less, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  The snow and blowing snow closed many roads, including Highway 30 west of Fremont, where around 200 vehicles became stuck in a 4 mile stretch between Ames and North Bend. The snow ended Friday evening, but considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Blizzard in CEDAR, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 01:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Strong north winds and occasional snow showers moved back across far northeast Nebraska during the early morning hours of Friday 3/2.  The snow generally ended by Friday evening, and new snowfall Friday based on observations from surrounding sites was 2 to 6 inches.  However, as
north winds gusted to 40 mph, blizzard conditions developed over the county Friday, lasting into the evening.  Substantial blowing and drifting snow lasted until around 1 pm Saturday even though the snow ended late Friday.

Winter Weather in OTOE, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 16:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county Friday afternoon March 2nd.  Although new snowfall Friday was only an inch or so, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until late afternoon with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed...especially in open areas.  The snow ended Friday evening, but considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Winter Weather in SAUNDERS, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 11:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county Friday March 2nd just before noon. Although new snowfall Friday was only an inch or less, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  The snow ended Friday evening, but considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Blizzard in PIERCE, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 01:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Strong north winds and occasional snow showers moved back across sections of northeast Nebraska during the early morning hours Friday 3/2.  The snow generally ended by Friday evening, and new snowfall Friday was mainly only an inch or two.  However, north winds gusting to 40 mph caused blizzard conditions over the county Friday from late morning until late afternoon with substantial blowing and drifting snow lasting until around noon Saturday.

Winter Weather in MADISON, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 06:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Snowfall of 1 to 3 inches fell over much of the county Friday March 2, with a little over 2 inches reported in Norfolk.  Although snow amounts weren't excessive, when combined with north winds of 25 to 40 mph, substantial blowing and drifting snow and near blizzard conditions developed Friday, especially in open areas.  Although the snow ended Friday evening, considerable blowing and drifting snow continued into Saturday morning March 3.

Winter Weather in ANTELOPE, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 06:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Snowfall of 1 to 3 inches fell over much of the county Friday March 2 on top of at least several inches of snow from previous storms.  Although new snow amounts weren't excessive, when combined with north winds of 25 to 40 mph, substantial blowing and drifting snow and near blizzard conditions developed Friday, especially in open areas.  Although the snow ended Friday evening, considerable blowing and drifting snow continued into Saturday morning March 3.  Some drifts of over 6 feet were measured, especially across northern sections of the county.

Blizzard in WASHINGTON, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 03:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Heavy snow moved into the county during the predawn hours on the 1st. Conditions quickly deteriorated during the morning rush as northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists. Blizzard conditions began around 7 am and generally lasted until around 5 pm.  Although the snow had let up by then...strong winds and occasional snow continued to lower visibilities below 1 mile through around 8 pm.  Snowfall was generally 8 to 10 inches across the county.  The cooperative observer in Ft. Calhoun reported nearly 8 inches.

Blizzard in THURSTON, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 04:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Heavy snow moved into the county close to sunrise on the 1st.  Conditions quickly deteriorated through mid morning rush as northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists. Blizzard conditions began between 7 and 8 am and generally lasted until around 5 pm.  Although the snow had let up by then...strong winds and occasional snow continued to lower visibilities below 1 mile through 10 pm.  Based on snowfall reports from adjacent counties, it was estimated that 8 to 12 inches of snow fell across the county.

Winter Weather in LANCASTER, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 16:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

After a temporary lull in snow and blowing snow Thursday night, snow showers and considerable blowing snow moved back across the county Friday afternoon March 2nd.  Although new snowfall Friday was only an inch or less, considerable blowing and drifting snow lasted until early evening with near blizzard conditions occasionally observed, especially in open areas.  The snow ended Friday evening, but considerable blowing and drifting snow continued until early morning on the 3rd.

Blizzard in KNOX, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 01:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Strong north winds and occasional snow showers moved back across far northeast Nebraska during the early morning hours of Friday 3/2.  The snow generally ended by Friday evening, and new snowfall of up to 6 inches fell on sections of the county.  Bloomfield reported 6 inches in the 24 hours ending Saturday morning 3/3.  As north winds gusted to 40 mph, blizzard conditions developed over the county Friday, lasting into the evening.  Substantial blowing and drifting snow lasted until around 1 pm Saturday even though the snow ended late Friday.

Winter Weather in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 02-MAR-07 06:00:00 to 03-MAR-07 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Snowfall of 1 to 3 inches fell over much of the county Friday March 2.  When combined with north winds of 25 to 40 mph, substantial blowing and drifting snow and near blizzard conditions developed over the county Friday, especially in open areas.  Although the snow ended Friday evening, considerable blowing and drifting snow continued into Saturday morning March 3.

Winter Weather in CUMING, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 03:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Although the Blizzard that hit eastern Nebraska and western Iowa on March 1 was mostly east of Cuming county, with most sections only receiving a couple of inches from the storm, the far northeast corner of the county picked up between 6 and 12 inches.  Blowing snow created deep drifts and near whiteout conditions...especially across the far northeast section of the county.

Blizzard in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 01-MAR-07 04:00:00 to 01-MAR-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Heavy snow moved into the county close to sunrise on the 1st.  Conditions quickly deteriorated through mid morning rush as northwest winds increased to 35 to 45 mph.  This produced white-out conditions, especially in open areas, which stranded many motorists. Blizzard conditions began between 7 and 8 am and generally lasted until around 5 pm.  Although the snow had let up by then...strong winds and occasional snow continued to lower visibilities below 1 mile through 10 pm.  Snowfall was generally 8 to 12 inches across the county.  The cooperative observer in Tekamah reported a little over 11 inches.