Winter wonderland

Tuesday brought below freezing temperatures, wind, snow accumulation and school cancelations.

According to the Cheyenne, Wyo., National Weather Service Forecast Office, the entire Nebraska Panhandle is under a winter storm warning scheduled until 3 a.m. Wednesday.

"Right now Sidney is in the brunt of the storm for the rest of the afternoon," said Steve Rubin, meteorologist at the Cheyenne office, late Tuesday morning. "The airport in Sidney reported wind gusts up to 30 mph. North winds will remain from 25 to 35 mph."

Rubin added that snow accumulation could reach up to a foot of snow in some places due to the wind and high drifts. Sidney is expected to get eight to 10 inches of snow accumulation.

Temperatures will drop to the mid-teens and lows will drop to zero.

"Conditions will improve in the evening, but it will still be cold and windy," Rubin said. "It is recommended to stay inside if you can."

The City of Sidney declared a snow emergency reminding locals that vehicles should not be parked on emergency snow routes and snow should not be put on city streets. Snow emergency routes are designated by red and blue signs posted along the street.

The snow also brought local cancelations. Several local schools were canceled including classes at Western Nebraska Community College's Sidney campus.

Temperatures for the rest of the week will remain in the upper 20s to mid 30s, and snow will be off the forecast throughout the weekend.