Teen killed as snow hits

Heavy snow caused numerous accidents in central and southwestern Nebraska, including one that claimed the life of a young driver.

The Nebraska State Patrol said Travis Slingsby, 15, of Broken Bow, lost control of his car on Nebraska Highway 2 east of Broken Bow around 7:55 a.m. Thursday.

It crossed the center line and collided with a pickup driven by 27-year-old Kevin Hetrick of Grand Island.

Officials temporarily closed Nebraska Highway 2 just east of Broken Bow due to the accident.

As of mid-morning, the area had seen five to 12 inches of snow with more coming. A winter weather advisory was in effect, with the snow expected to taper off later in the day.

Omaha is not expected to see its rain turn to snow today, because temperatures during the day are not expected to drop low enough. Tonight's low is forecast to be around 31 degrees, which raises the possibility of an overnight rain/snow mixture.

Limited power outages also occurred early Thursday. Some trees have lost limbs under the weight of the snow.

About 400 people lost power for about three hours in Frontier County, but electricity was restored within three hours according to Curtis City Administrator Doug Schultz. Schultz said from his window in his office he can see power lines sagging under the weight of the snow.

In terms of snowfall totals, about 12 inches, have fallen near Brady; seven inches near North Platte, and about 5 inches near Curtis and Stapleton.

This is the second time that snow has blanketed parts of Nebraska this month.

In Omaha, the rain is to continue sporadically into the evening.

Friday, there is a 30 percent chance of rain, mostly in the morning. Highs Friday are forecast to be near 45 degrees.

Sun and temperatures in the mid-50s are forecast for Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

This report includes material from the Associated Press.

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