Urgent Winter Weather Message

"A powerful arctic front will move across the forecast area Saturday bringing dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills during the afternoon. The bitterly cold conditions will continue through Saturday night. Snow will develop along and behind the front Saturday and Saturday night with accumulations of 4 to 7 inches possible across most of the area.

"The front will usher in strong Northwest winds of 15 to 30 MPH with gusts to 40 MPH. These strong winds will cause significant blowing and drifting show along with areas of near blizzard conditions. In addition... dangerous wind chills of 20 below to 40 below zero will be likely across the plains by Saturday night. Anyone planning travel this weekend should be prepared for bitterly cold temperatures and very hazardous travel conditions. Ranchers should take actions to protect vulnerable livestock."



So... keep your cat in, and don't try to test your winter sleeping bags and tents this weekend.