By SALINA POST
Both a winter storm watch and a wind chill watch have been issued for Jewell and Mitchell counties.
Winter storm watch
The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon that includes Jewell and Mitchell counties.
Blizzard conditions are possible. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
Wind chill watch
Dangerously cold wind chills are possible. Wind chills as low as 45 below zero are forecast.
A strong Arctic cold front will blast through the region Wednesday evening, bringing strong wind gusts, light to moderate snow, and bitterly cold wind chills. Despite snow amounts of only a few inches, the combination of very dry snow and strong winds could cause near-zero visibility Wednesday night through Thursday, even after snow accumulations end. Bitterly cold wind chills will cause significant danger to anyone stranded while traveling.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact both the morning and evening commutes on Thursday. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.