December 12-16, 2022 High Plains Blizzard

Overview

On December 12-13, 2022, a powerful upper level low pressure system crossed the Rockies and moved into the High Plains. A strong surface cyclone associated with this system delivered heavy snow and blizzard conditions to eastern Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle. In the days following, the storm system slowly moved northeastward before stalling over the upper Midwest. As a result, strong north to northwest winds and temperatures well below freezing remained over the area for several consecutive days. Multiple days of near-blizzard to blizzard conditions with winds of 40 to 60 MPH or greater were observed, and high impact blowing snow continued for nearly five days after the initial onset of snow. Travel in the affected area was nearly impossible due to blowing and drifting snow until the winds finally abated on December 17. This storm was noteworthy for its snow accumulation and strong winds, but was most notable for its duration and lasting impacts.

VIIRS True Color satellite image of the storm system over the Great Plains on December 13, 2022

Photos & Video
Radar
Storm Reports

Photos & Video

Public Photos and Highway Webcams from December 13-15, 2022


Lusk, WY (Credit: Kaylee Barner)	Highway 71 near Harrisburg (Credit: Kyle/Ann Hopkins)	Angora, NE (Credit: Jennifer Fischer)	Saratoga, WY (Credit: Annie Newton)

Scottsbluff, NE (Credit: Kye Abellera)	Melbeta, NE (Credit: Dan Fitts)	Near Chadron NE (Credit: Nebraska DOT)	East of Kimball, NE (Credit: Nebraska DOT)

South of Alliance, NE (Credit: Nebraska DOT)	Near Harrison, NE (Credit: Nebraska DOT)	Near Chadron NE, 12/15 (Credit: Nebraska DOT)	Scottsbluff, NE (Credit: Nebraska DOT)

Current #blizzard conditions near Melbeta, Nebraska @RRNStormCenter @NWSCheyenne @SevereStudios #newx pic.twitter.com/NYnhTDtgaV
— Dan Fitts (@Dan_Fitts) December 13, 2022

Fun times at home here in Pine Bluffs Wy #wywx pic.twitter.com/PECGmTiu2D
— Torey Floy (@toredown307) December 14, 2022

Radar & Satellite

Radar and Satellite Imagery

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📡 Morning Radar Update:

Current radar shows moderate to heavy snow working into many areas just east of the I-25 corridor/Cheyenne. Expect fluctuating conditions as heavy snow bands move in and out.

We still have a long way to go with this storm, so stay safe!#wywx #newx pic.twitter.com/XyPCP1CJmq
— NWS Cheyenne (@NWSCheyenne) December 13, 2022

Water Vapor images from @NOAASatellites #GOES16/#GOESeast showed the large winter storm that has produced heavy snow and blizzard conditions in parts of #COwx, #WYwx, #NEwx, #SDwx, #NDwx and #MNwx over the past 2 days: https://t.co/rUBXxemRlq pic.twitter.com/iivjmW643D
— UW-Madison CIMSS (@UWCIMSS) December 15, 2022

Estimated Observed Snowfall

Estimated snowfall between 5AM 12/12/22 and 5AM 12/15/22. Data from NOHRSCv2.

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