CNN
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Blizzard warnings have been issued across the Central Plains, threatening Christmas travelers with delays and dangerous road conditions.
More than 1.1 million people in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming were under blizzard warnings on Monday afternoon with heavy snowfall, strong winds and icy conditions expected.
“A significant winter storm will ‘leave snow, leave snow, leave snow’ in parts of the central plains by Christmas where blizzard conditions and hazardous travel are expected; “Treacherous ice accumulations expected in eastern Dakota and northern Minnesota “, and National Weather Service he said on Monday.
Road maintenance workers and snow blowers hit the streets in Omaha, Nebraska, to prepare as the holiday winter storm moves in. Much of the state was under a blizzard warning Monday afternoon, with parts of the state expected to receive 5 to 11 inches of snow and ice accumulations, as well as 40 mph gusts. according to the time service.
“We have a full road maintenance staff working starting at 3:30 Christmas morning to plow and spread salt as needed. Contractor resources are on call,” the City of Omaha said in a Facebook post.
A fleet of 40 snowplows hit the roads at 6 a.m., Douglas County Engineer Todd Pfitzer in Omaha said. CNN affiliate KETV. “You just have to be ready,” Pfitzer said. “Because if you’re not, and it comes out in front of you, it can really be a problem.”
Blizzard Notices were still in effect Monday afternoon for much of South Dakota. Parts of the state could receive up to 11 inches of snow, and travel could be very difficult to impossible, the weather service said.
Areas across east central northeast Colorado, parts of southeastern Wyoming as northwest Kansas also had blizzard warnings in effect until Wednesday morning.
The weather service warned people living in areas placed under blizzard warnings to avoid travel, but if they must travel, to bring survival kits and stay in their vehicles if stranded.
“Due to heavy snow accumulation and strong winds, driving conditions are rapidly deteriorating across the state, particularly in central and northern Nebraska. Travelers are strongly encouraged to check https://511.nebraska.gov before traveling,” the Nebraska State Department of Transportation said Monday morning. The Nebraska State Patrol said travel was not recommended.
Blizzard conditions caused icy roads and poor visibility in Nebraska, resulting in cars colliding and others sliding off the roads. Eastbound I-80 was closed in York Monday afternoon because trailers were stuck in the road, but has since reopened, according to the Nebraska State Patrol he said.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol responded to several crashes in Watertown due to icy roads and pilots warned icy road conditions and strong winds will worsen throughout the day and make driving dangerous.
The winter storm system will likely affect flights in the region, with airports including Eppley Airfield in Omaha and Sioux Falls Regional Airport in South Dakota advising travelers to check their flight status and consult with the airlines regarding. delays and cancellations.
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