A potentially dangerous snowstorm is getting started today in the Nebraska Panhandle.
Much of the western half of Nebraska is under a winter storm warning or advisory.
In some places a foot or more of snow is possible as the storm moves slowly across the state. Strong winds could make driving and visibility difficult. At some points during the storm, an inch of snow an hour is possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Scotts Bluff County officials said at least 3 inches of snow already had fallen by mid-morning, socking in airports and hampering travelers in Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska.
Several schools in Nebraska's Panhandle closed in anticipation of the storm.
Great Lakes Aviation canceled a late-morning Scottsbluff flight from and to Denver.
The storm is expected to lift on Thursday.
The eastern end of the state will see rain instead of snow because temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild. Thunderstorms are expected to begin tonight in the Omaha area and on Thursday, the metro area could see as much of 3/4 an inch of rain.
Friday is expected to be partly cloudy and Saturday should bring a return of sunshine to the Omaha area.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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