Dangerous trifecta

Snow, howling winds and subzero temperatures combined this week to create what will be remembered as a terrifying trifecta of winter weather conditions to start the new year. 
Nebraskans are a hearty lot, by nature, accustomed to dealing with harsh winter weather, but this was not just another storm by any measure. A number of reports in this week’s edition confirm that the amount of snow dropped on the ground was significant, as high as 14-16 inches combined between the two storms, though the wind and biting cold was ultimately the deciding factor that made it too dangerous to be out on the roads.
Gov. Jim Pillen went so far as to plead with Nebraskans, particularly in the eastern part of the state, to just stay home on Saturday. That was a tone we don’t normally hear from the governor or state officials, indicating just how tough conditions were out on the highways and by-ways of our great state. Sliding off the road not only meant instant danger to stranded motorists, but also to emergency officials who were overwhelmed with calls for help while also dealing with extreme weather conditions themselves.
Locally, drifts as high as four to five feet were seen on county roads, with crews reporting that their work was sometimes covered up within hours by blowing or additional snow. That’s frustrating for everyone involved, though only Mother Nature was to blame.
The potentially deadly combination of snow, wind and bone-chilling cold resulted in a lot of revised and canceled plans throughout the week, extending on into this week with no school on Monday or Tuesday in Aurora. We’ve heard many parents and educators lamenting that kids need to get back to school, for a lot of reasons, for which you’ll find almost unanimous agreement. 
However, safety must remain the top priority, and in this case rural road conditions dictated more “Snow Day” time than most of us were ready for or wanted. We may be feeling the impact of this storm for weeks or months to come, but the decision to play it safe should not be second guessed.
On a more positive note, we’ve heard countless reports of neighbors helping neighbors, digging out sidewalks, driveways and vehicles and/or getting food necessities to people in need. Those are heart-warming stories we’re used to hearing in Hamilton County, but they mean so much to those in need when the weather gets so scary.
Thank you to all the city and county road crews as well as emergency personnel who worked through overtime so that the rest of us could try to get on with life as usual. We tip our hat also to all who scooped, pushed, jump-started or offered assistance in some way. 
It may not set any records, but this storm dealt a dangerous blow, and we survived it.
-- Kurt Johnson