If you’re in Colorado, Kansas, or Nebraska, be ready for a cold, snowy, and slick evening ahead. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until midnight CST, with snowfall, icy roads, and dangerously cold wind chills making travel hazardous.
This isn’t a major blizzard, but it doesn’t take much snow and ice to create big problems on the roads. If you’re driving tonight, expect slippery conditions, slowdowns, and reduced visibility—especially on highways, bridges, and overpasses. If you don’t have to be out, it’s best to stay inside where it’s warm.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Snow has been falling across Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska, and roads are already turning slick.
Here’s a quick look at conditions around the region:
- Denver, CO – 8°F (-14°C), freezing fog, icy roads forming
- Topeka, KS – -2°F (-19°C), steady light snow, wind chills near -20°F (-29°C)
- Lincoln, NE – -7°F (-21°C), cloudy, strong winds making it feel even colder
- Goodland, KS – 9°F (-13°C), moderate snowfall, reduced visibility
The snow will continue for several more hours, and gusty winds will blow snow back onto roads, making plowing difficult. Travel will stay rough through the night.
How Long Will the Snow Last?
Tuesday Afternoon & Evening (Feb. 18)
- Snow continues falling, and roads become increasingly slick.
- Temperatures stay below freezing, so any snow that falls will stick right away.
Late Night – Midnight (Feb. 18-19)
- Snow starts to taper off, but roads will remain icy overnight.
- Winds stay strong, meaning blowing snow could reduce visibility on highways.
- Wind chills drop even further, making it feel as cold as -28°F (-33°C).
How Much Snow Are We Getting?
- Colorado (Cheyenne & Kit Carson Counties): 2 to 5 inches, with blowing snow making travel hazardous.
- Kansas (South of I-70, including areas along I-35): 3 to 8 inches, with localized higher amounts.
- Nebraska (Lincoln, Crete, Beatrice): 1 to 2 inches, but icy roads and dangerous wind chills are the bigger concerns.
Even though this isn’t a huge snowstorm, the danger comes from ice, strong winds, and brutally cold temperatures.
What You Need to Watch Out For
Slick, Icy Roads – Snow is sticking immediately due to freezing temperatures, and black ice is forming on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses.
Blowing Snow = Low Visibility – Even after the snow stops, winds will keep blowing it around, making it hard to see in open areas.
Brutal Wind Chills – With wind chills as low as -28°F (-33°C), frostbite can happen in as little as 30 minutes if your skin is exposed.
Possible Power Outages – Ice on power lines + strong winds = scattered outages in some areas.
Protect Your Pets & Livestock – If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Bring pets inside and make sure outdoor animals have warm shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
Weather Alerts You Should Know About
Winter Weather Advisory – In effect until midnight CST for Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. Expect snow-covered roads, slick spots, and reduced visibility.
Extreme Cold Warning – Wind chills dropping to -28°F (-33°C) make outdoor exposure extremely dangerous.
Black Ice Risk – Roads may look clear but could be coated in invisible ice—especially overnight and early Wednesday morning.
How to Stay Safe Tonight
Avoid Driving If You Can – Roads are slick and will stay that way overnight. If you must travel, take it slow, leave plenty of space, and watch for black ice.
Dress for the Extreme Cold – If you need to be outside, wear layers, cover exposed skin, and don’t stay out too long.
Check on Elderly Neighbors & Loved Ones – Make sure they have heat, food, and everything they need to stay warm and safe.
Keep Pets Indoors – If you’re cold, they’re cold. Bring pets inside and make sure livestock have proper shelter and unfrozen water.
Prepare for Possible Power Outages – Charge your phone, have flashlights ready, and avoid using generators or grills indoors.
