Blizzard Warnings Blanket Northern Plains, Threatening Travel Chaos
More than 760,000 residents in the northern Great Plains faced an impending blizzard on Monday, triggering significant travel disruptions and safety concerns due to heavy snowfall and powerful winds.
The central regions of South Dakota were predicted to experience the most severe effects, with the potential for over a foot of snow. Hazardous conditions extended to areas in southeast South Dakota, southern North Dakota, and Nebraska, posing risks to transportation and daily activities.
Southeastern South Dakota and central and northeastern Nebraska had already received approximately six inches of snow by Monday evening. Meteorologists expected additional snowfall overnight, heightening the risk of treacherous road conditions. Widespread blowing snow was anticipated, leading to severely reduced visibility.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation cautioned travelers, highlighting the challenges posed by near-zero visibility and icy roads. Sections of Interstate 90 were closed, and an accident on eastbound Interstate 80 in Nebraska involving multiple tractor-trailers resulted in a three-hour road closure due to hazardous weather conditions.
Officials urged residents to evaluate the necessity of travel, emphasizing the perilous conditions on the roads. The Nebraska State Patrol reported nearly 60 weather-related incidents along Interstate 80, advocating for cautious travel decisions to ensure safety.
Forecasters cautioned about potential power outages, especially in South Dakota, due to strong winds that could damage trees and power lines. However, as of Monday night, no widespread power outages had been reported.
