Omaha, Nebraska – Heavy snow and gusty winds hit eastern Nebraska on Wednesday, March 19, with several additional inches of accumulation possible by the end of the day, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

The NWS warned portions of southwest and west-central Iowa and eastern Nebraska to brace for additional snow accumulations between three and nine inches and winds gusting as high as 70 mph until 10 pm Wednesday.

Conditions could drop visibility to below a quarter-mile, the weather service said.

“The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday evening commute. Very strong winds will cause extensive tree damage,” the NWS said. “Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.”

Footage taken by the Nebraska State Patrol shows slushy snow covering Interstate 80 near Gretna, southwest of Omaha, on Wednesday.

“The blizzard is definitely impacting the eastern half of the state, including the Omaha metro. This is near Gretna right now,” the state patrol said. “Do not attempt to travel in the blizzard.”

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