Deadly Blizzard to Hit Northern and Central Plains Over Christmas
A major winter storm is forecast to hit parts of the Northern and Central Plains regions and the Upper Midwest with blizzard conditions and freezing rain, posing dangerous travel conditions over the Christmas holiday.
South Dakota and Nebraska are expected to see heavy snow starting early Monday and increasing in intensity throughout the day. The National Weather Service said there is a high chance south-central and central South Dakota will get at least a foot of snowfall, with most of the state, as well as Nebraska and Kansas, likely to see more than 4 inches of snow.
The snow, combined with strong winds, will produce blizzard conditions in the region. In addition to snow-covered roads and whiteout conditions, winds with up to 55 mph gusts could bring down tree branches, and powerlines could snarl travelers.
Farther north, the same storm is expected to dump sleet and freezing rain starting Monday afternoon. At least 0.1 inch of ice could spell slippery roads and sidewalks from southwest Minnesota to the eastern Dakotas. Isolated power outages are also possible in the region, according to forecasters.
As of Sunday evening, over 1,000 flights in the U.S. scheduled for Monday were delayed, with about 250 cancellations, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.
The blizzard and freezing rain are expected to cause major disruptions for holiday travelers and could potentially lead to dangerous conditions for those living in the affected regions. It’s important for residents and travelers in the area to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest updates and warnings from local authorities and weather services.