Winter Weather Could Affect Region Saturday

Key Messages:
-Avoid travel on Saturday if at all possible. Travel conditions will be much better all of the other days this holiday weekend.
-Expect a mix of light rain and snow (perhaps some freezing drizzle in parts of central Nebraska) to develop Friday evening/night, before changing to all snow Saturday morning. The brunt of accumulating snow and strong winds will occur during the daytime hours on Saturday.
-Don't get hung up on early forecast snow amounts - they will likely change as the system responsible for the snow will be strengthening right over us. (meaning...small changes in the rate of intensification could be the difference between a dusting-2" vs more widespread 2-5")
-"Gut feeling" at this time is that this system will be more about the falling snow AND wind (NW wind gusts 35-45 MPH), than final/total snow amounts.
-IF there is a band of heavier snow to come from this system, areas east of Hwy 281 and north of the state line would be most at risk (4-5"?). Rooks, Osborne, and Mitchell Counties in north central KS may see almost nothing.
-In addition to the snow and strong winds, expect falling temperatures during the day on Saturday - from the 30s/near 40F early AM to widespread low to mid 20s by late afternoon.