OMAHA, Nebraska – New Year’s Day was a busy day at Gene Leahy Mall and downtown.
People with their children and pets were out and about. And they thought the weather was fairly pleasant for this time of year.
“The weather’s been a lot worse when I’ve visited in the past,” said Michael Laurent, who arrived from Kyoto, Japan. “You come through here sometimes, and the roads are icy.”
“We just wanted to get out before the weather turned bad,” Jeramie Stephenson explained.
They had a good reason. Omaha is expecting up to an inch of snow overnight, with the possibility of another round this weekend.
Some streets showed telltale streaks from where crews spread brine on the pavement Wednesday afternoon. Omaha Public Works said it was pre-treating major streets and secondary routes to prevent snow and ice from sticking to the surface.
However, none of the people First Alert 6 spoke with were opposed to the idea of a snow day.
“Weather like that, I kind of enjoy because it makes me a little bit nostalgic,” Laurent told me. “So if we get some snow tonight or the next day, I might try some sledding out.”
“The snow’s not so bad when you can sled,” Tara Stephenson said. “But when the wind’s involved, it’s not enjoyable.”
Wednesday’s high temperature was 39 degrees, which is above normal for New Year’s Day.