SIDNEY - A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. Saturday until 11 a.m. Sunday, covering the Nebraska Panhandle, northeast Colorado and southeast Wyoming. Residents in cities including Alliance, Chadron, Scottsbluff, Sidney, Sterling and Torrington should prepare for significant snow, potential ice and dangerous travel conditions.

“A Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect Saturday evening and continue through Sunday morning,” WeatherEye Broadcast Meteorologist Jennifer Wojcicki said. “Directly around Sidney, it looks like 2-4 inches of snowfall are possible, with higher amounts across the border south and for southwestern Nebraska, up to 6 inches.”

Wojcicki warned of freezing rain and snow mixing into the region before the heaviest snowfall begins.

“There’s a chance for snow and freezing rain to mix Saturday morning into the early afternoon, before becoming more of a snow chance," Wojcicki said. "This will cause a light glaze of ice, so travel conditions will be extra slippery.”

She says freezing rain and snow will start mixing late this morning, transitioning to mostly snow by around 3 p.m. and continuing until about 2 a.m. Sunday. A slight chance of snow will linger until approximately 7 a.m. Sunday.

The National Weather Service is urging caution not just on roads but also on bridges, overpasses, and outdoor surfaces.

“Despite more of a snow chance Saturday night, a light ice glaze will likely have accumulated under the snow pack,” Wojcicki noted. “Use caution everywhere, but especially on sidewalks and outdoor stairs.”

As the region braces for snow and extreme cold, heating systems will work harder to keep homes and businesses warm. Black Hills Energy recommends several energy-saving measures:

  • Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees: A small adjustment can save up to 10% annually on heating costs.
  • Reduce your water heater temperature: Setting it below 120 degrees can also save up to 10% on water heating costs.
  • Use natural sunlight: Open blinds on south-facing windows during the day for natural heat, and close them at night to retain warmth.
  • Limit ventilating fan use: Kitchen and bathroom fans can quickly expel warm air, so use them sparingly.

Winter weather also disrupted area athletic events. Potter-Dix has postponed its Saturday games against Minatare, Leyton is rescheduling its matchups against Perkins County and Banner County will play Hay Springs on another day.