Although most of Nebraska fared better than the neighboring state of Kansas when it came to the winter weather that sweept across the midwest Jan. 4-5, ice and snow still hit Clay and surrounding counties.
A winter storm warning and advisory was issued by the National Weather Service-Hastings over the weekend, which included freezing rain and snow.
Jan. 4 brought that light freezing rain and snow, fog, and haze, with wind gusts reaching 32 mph.
Sunday’s weather continued with snow, including blowing snow thanks to 38 mph wind gusts, creating a driving hazard for anyone out and about.
Temperatures for the day reached a maximum of 13 degrees; however, the NWS activated a cold weather advisory from midnight to 11 a.m., Monday, with wind chills reaching -15 to -25 degrees, and overnight lows hitting zero to -10 degrees.
The NWS put Clay in a hazardous weather outlook, as another round of cold wind chills is expected to continue into Wednesday, with wind chills reaching as low as -15 to -20 degrees.
Temperatures are expected to increase slightly starting Wednesday, with a high of 24, before jumping into the 30s Thursday and into the weekend.
With any cold temperatures, the NWS suggests using appropriate clothing— pants, sweaters, coats— while outside, as well as a hat and gloves. Additionally, keep pets indoor as much as possible.
Whatever wasn’t hit with the snow was coated in a layer of freezing rain during the weekend winter weather storm. ASHLEY D SWANSON | CLAY COUNTY NEWS
