Winter storm falls short of warnings

    Despite warnings last week from public officials and weather services, the snow didn’t make it to Chase County.
    A winter storm warning was in effect for Chase County until early last Friday morning.
    Imperial received only a dusting of snow, as well as freezing temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS) in North Platte had Chase County in the warning area which was forecast to receive between five and 13 inches of snow.
    High winds were a factor in the warning, and those did show up. New Year’s Eve Monday also saw gusts of 48 mph, according to the NWS.
    The highest temperature last Friday was 24 degrees, but with winds at 31 mph and gusts to 39, it felt like much colder.
    Imperial Public Works Director Pat Davison and his crews were ready to plow snow and ice that never showed.
    “We were ready to go, but nothing happened,” Davison said.
    Davison said there were no problems with electrical outages either.
    “We were lucky,” he said, “but I always worry.”
    The forecast for the next week looks better for Chase County, with highs mostly in the 50s.