Home Viral Culture Updates 1

Omaha's Snowfall Secrets: 5 Shocking Facts About NE's Winter Totals, Records, And 2025 Forecast

• minute read
Contents

The winter weather narrative in Omaha, Nebraska, has always been one of extremes, and the current 2025 season is no exception. As of late December 2025, residents and city officials are closely monitoring the latest snowfall totals, comparing the accumulation against a historical average that typically hovers around the 28 to 33-inch mark annually. The dramatic swings in the local climate, from historic single-day dumps to seasons with significant deficits, make every winter a unique challenge for the city, its infrastructure, and the daily lives of its population.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the most recent, verified snowfall data for Omaha, providing an essential look at the 2024-2025 season, the city's most significant weather records, and the critical logistics of snow management handled by *Omaha Public Works*.

Omaha, NE: Seasonal Snowfall Totals & Historical Records

Omaha's snowfall history is a fascinating study of Midwestern weather volatility. While the city prepares for a standard winter, the reality often delivers either a light season or an unforgettable, record-breaking event. Understanding these figures is key to appreciating the winter experience in the heart of Nebraska.

The 2024–2025 Snowfall Season Update

The 2024–2025 winter season has been characterized by sharp contrasts, following what some meteorologists dubbed an "upside-down winter" pattern in the previous year. Official National Weather Service (NWS) data provides a clear picture of the accumulation:

  • 2024 Calendar Year Total: Omaha recorded a total of 16.4 inches of snow across the 2024 calendar year, a figure that was well below the long-term annual average, highlighting a period of significant snowfall deficit.
  • January 2025 Total: The month of January 2025 saw a modest total of 1.0 inches of snow.
  • February 2025 Total: February 2025 brought more significant accumulation, totaling 5.2 inches, often accompanied by bitter cold temperatures. [cite: 18, 6 in step 2]

While the overall seasonal total for 2024-2025 was not historically high, the focus shifted to the intensity of individual events and the subsequent impact on city operations, including the deployment of resources for *de-icing* and *residential street plowing*.

All-Time Omaha Snowfall Records

When major winter storms hit, Omaha’s records are put to the test. These historical benchmarks define the maximum capacity for the city's *snow removal operations* and serve as a constant reminder of the potential for extreme weather:

  • Average Annual Snowfall: The typical average annual snowfall for Omaha, NE, ranges between 28 to 33 inches.
  • Greatest Snowfall in One Day: The all-time record for a single 24-hour period is a staggering 18.3 inches, which fell on February 11, 1965.
  • Snowiest Winter Season: The record for the greatest cumulative snowfall in one season belongs to the 1974–1975 winter, which saw a monumental 57.8 inches of snow, though some records cite a 64.5-inch total depending on the measurement period.
  • Notable Recent Single-Day Event: A significant winter storm in a recent year blanketed the city with 11.9 inches of snow in a single day, marking the largest calendar-day snowfall since January 10, 1975.

The Logistics of Keeping Omaha Moving: Public Works & Transportation

The true measure of a city's preparedness is not just the snowfall total, but its coordinated response. In Omaha, the challenge of a major snow event involves a multi-agency effort, from clearing major arteries to ensuring air travel remains safe.

Omaha Public Works: The Snow Removal Strategy

The *Omaha Public Works* department is the frontline defense against winter weather, managing a complex *snow removal budget* and deployment strategy. Their operations are critical for maintaining public safety and commerce.

The city prioritizes clearing major streets first—the primary and secondary routes—before moving to residential areas. This tiered approach ensures emergency services can operate effectively. Residents can utilize the city's *snowplow tracker* to monitor the progress of the fleet in real-time. It is important to note that the city typically does not plow alleys, sidewalks, or private driveways, and citizens are often responsible for clearing their own property to ensure pedestrian safety. [cite: 18 in step 2, 17 in step 2]

During significant events, the deployment of *contractor operations* is often necessary to supplement the city’s resources, especially for comprehensive *clean up* after a major storm. The city continues to refine its strategy, with recent discussions focusing on enhanced *residential street plowing* and *de-icing* initiatives for the 2025-2026 season. [cite: 19 in step 2]

Impact on Eppley Airfield (OMA) Operations

Heavy snowfall directly impacts air travel. *Eppley Airfield (OMA)*, Omaha’s main airport, has specialized procedures to manage snow and ice. The *Omaha Airport Authority (OAA)* implements *alternating RWY procedures* to keep flights moving, albeit with potential delays. [cite: 2 in step 2, 5 in step 2]

During a major *snow event*, the airport focuses on *runway procedures* and clearing *taxiways, ramps, and gates*. While an aircraft sliding off a runway due to ice is a rare but documented event, the FAA and OMA work closely to mitigate risks, often leading to temporary *airfield construction* or closure of certain areas during intense *snow and ice removal operations*. Travelers are advised to check the *flyOMA* mobile app and *ParkOMA* status before heading to the airport. [cite: 2 in step 2, 5 in step 2, 16 in step 2]

Essential Omaha Winter Preparedness & Driving Tips

Beyond the official totals, the personal impact of snow is felt most acutely on the roads. Navigating Omaha's streets during and after a storm requires careful preparation and adherence to specific *Nebraska Winter Driving Tips*.

Safety on the Road: Skid Control and Braking Techniques

Driving on snow and ice-covered roads demands a fundamental shift in technique. The *Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)* and local law firms stress the importance of caution. Key safety practices include:

  • Maintaining Safe Following Distance: This distance should be significantly increased on slippery roads compared to dry pavement. [cite: 8 in step 2]
  • Skid Control: If your vehicle begins to skid, the key is counter-intuitive: turn your steering wheel *in the direction of the skid* and avoid hitting your brakes until the vehicle regains control or comes to a complete stop. [cite: 4 in step 2]
  • Braking Techniques: Avoid sudden, hard braking. Use gentle, controlled pressure, or pump the brakes if you do not have anti-lock brakes (ABS). [cite: 4 in step 2, 8 in step 2]
  • Plow Safety: Always stay well behind a snowplow, as they travel slowly (25-30 mph or less), and never pass in a *snow cloud* where visibility is nil. [cite: 9 in step 2]

Preparing Your Vehicle for an Omaha Winter

Before the first major snowfall, Omaha residents should ensure their vehicle is "winter ready." This preparation goes beyond just having an ice scraper and snowbrush. It includes checking *tire pressure* (including the spare), ensuring all fluids are topped off, and assembling a comprehensive *emergency kit* that includes jumper cables, flares, and a flashlight. [cite: 10 in step 2]

The long-range *2025-2026 winter forecast* suggests a theme of "Chill, Snow, Repeat" for Nebraska, indicating that residents should expect periods of heavy snowfall mixed with intense cold. [cite: 17 in step 1] While the overall winter is predicted to be warmer than normal, the coldest periods, such as those forecasted for mid-December 2025, will still bring challenging conditions. [cite: 10 in step 1, 12 in step 2] Preparedness is the best defense against the unpredictable nature of Omaha's winter weather.

Omaha's Snowfall Secrets: 5 Shocking Facts About NE's Winter Totals, Records, and 2025 Forecast
omaha ne snowfall totals
omaha ne snowfall totals

Detail Author:

  • Name : Yolanda Schinner
  • Username : malika.durgan
  • Email : victoria.prosacco@grady.com
  • Birthdate : 1975-02-04
  • Address : 108 Bernard Extensions Apt. 309 Ericastad, HI 96696-7609
  • Phone : +1 (859) 420-9973
  • Company : Lowe-Mayert
  • Job : Extraction Worker
  • Bio : Illo ea suscipit est impedit ut illum. Eius minima possimus suscipit harum quis.

Socials

facebook:

instagram:

tiktok:

Random Posts