No question about 'White Christmas' weather this year

If you're reading this Tuesday afternoon and you haven't traveled to your Christmas destination, you might want to give your plans a second thought.

That's because today was the best travel day you can expect all week.

McCook and the rest of the area is in a winter storm warning with near blizzard conditions expected by Christmas Eve, with 6 to 10 inches of snow and winds up to 40 mph.

If there's any question at all, please stay off the road. Not only are you endangering yourself and others by traveling in unsafe conditions, you're endangering those who may be called upon to rescue you if you become stranded.

When you do venture out, first check the Nebraska Department of Roads traveler information line by dialing 511 on your cell phone or landline. If you're outside Nebraska, you can call (800) 906-9069. Or check online.

For planning purposes, monitor local commercial weather stations, NOAA Weather Radio, or click the weather link at the top of the Gazette's Web site, http://mccookgazette.com for the latest forecast.

Make sure your car and tires are in good condition, and you have warm clothing and a winter survival kit including a cell phone, extra water, food and other supplies.

And please give snowplows plenty of room to do their work. They cause soft snow to swirl and reduce visibility, so slow down, make sure your headlights are on and turn on your wipers when approaching.

Turn off your cruise control, consider using studded tires, watch for icy spots and slow down on curves, when approaching stops and on bridges or sheltered areas.

For now, the forecast sounds like good weather to stay home and roast chestnuts by an open fire. Perhaps roads will be clear enough by this weekend for delayed family gatherings.