Mother Nature delivered a white Christmas for much of Nebraska on Monday, including Lincoln.
As of 11 a.m., areas in an around Lincoln had received 1-2 inches of show, with more expected throughout the day Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Lancaster County is in a winter weather advisory until 9 p.m., while many areas west and north of Lincoln are experiencing blizzard conditions.
Meteorologist Michaela Wood with the National Weather Service in Valley said Sunday night that Lincoln was on the line between higher estimated snow totals north and west and lower amounts in the east.
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities officials said crews are applying granular salt pre-wet with brine to arterial streets and bridges and urged drivers to watch for slick spots, especially on untreated surfaces. There is no StarTran bus service Monday.
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A large swath of central Nebraska is under a blizzard warning through Christmas Day, with a foot or more of snow and wind gusts up to 50 mph possible in many areas. O’Neill is forecast to see 11 to 18 inches of snow while Grand Island could have 6 to 10 inches. Lincoln could receive between 2 to 5 inches, although by Monday morning most forecasters were predicting the total to fall on the lower end of that spectrum. East of Lincoln, snow totals drop, with 1 to 4 inches possible in Omaha.
Snow is expected to taper off by Tuesday afternoon, Wood said.
The Nebraska State Patrol and the state Department of Transportation urged caution to holiday travelers, especially in areas under a blizzard warning.
“The expected severity of this storm has increased over the last couple of days and will now pose significant travel challenges across the state,” state transportation director Vicki Kramer said in a news release Sunday. “NDOT is ready as this storm affects Nebraska, but we urge travelers to assess whether their travel is absolutely necessary before hitting the road.”
Winter is here: Beautiful scenes of the season in Nebraska
Schramm State Park

Schramm State Park in early December 2019.
Janine Stearns-Petracek, Game and Parks
Lancaster County Coyote

A coyote stands on a snow-covered log at Branched Oak State Recreation Area in Lancaster County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Chadron State Park in Dawes County

Snow covers Chadron State Park in Dawes County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Deer stands on Pine Ridge at the Nebraska National Forest

A white-tailed deer doe stands in a snow-covered landscape at Pine Ridge in the Nebraska National Forest in Dawes County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Hoarfrost at Lake McConaughy

Hoarfrost formed by steam fog covers the trees and grasses around Lake McConaughy in Keith County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Horses stand in the snow in Keith County

Horses stand out in a snow- and hoarfrost-covered landscape in Keith County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Smith Falls State Park waterfall

A waterfall in Smith Falls State Park during the winter in Cherry County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Snow at Stagecoach SRA

A fresh snowfall covers the landscape at Stagecoach State Recreation Area in Lancaster County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Sun sets over Branched Oak Lake

The sun sets over Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area in Lancaster County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Snow covers Fremont Lakes

Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area in Dodge County is covered in a light snow.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Seasons blend together at Chadron State Park

Fall color blends with winter white at Chadron State Park after a snowstorm.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Medicine Creek State Recreation Area

The sun begins to rise above the hills at the Medicine Creek State Recreation Area in Cambridge.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Box Butte ice fishermen

Ice fishermen dot the horizon as the sun sets at Box Butte State Recreation Area.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Fort Robinson State Park

After a morning snow, the sun begins to rise over Fort Robinson State Park.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Larabee Creek in Sheridan County

Frosted hardwoods and sunflowers line Larabee Creek north of Rushville in Sheridan County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Platte River State Park snowstorm

Water continues to move despite the freezing temperatures at Platte River State Park in Cass County.
NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS