CNN
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A blizzard warning has been issued across the Central Plains, threatening Christmas Day commuters with delays and dangerous road conditions.
As of Monday morning, more than 725,000 people were under blizzard warnings for parts of Nebraska, South Dakota and Colorado, with heavy snow, gusty winds and icy conditions expected.
“A significant winter storm will 'snow, snow, snow' in the Central Plains, where blizzard conditions and hazardous travel are expected by Christmas; treacherous ice is expected in the eastern Dakotas and northern Minnesota. National Weather Service said in an early morning update on Monday.
Street maintenance crews and snowplows prepare for a holiday winter storm in Omaha, Nebraska. Parts of northeast and central Nebraska are under a blizzard warning, with 5 to 11 inches of snow and ice expected to accumulate. Winds gusting to 45 mph, According to the weather service.
“We will have a full street maintenance crew on duty starting at 3:30 a.m. on Christmas morning to plow and spread salt as needed. Contractor resources are called,” the City of Omaha said in a Facebook registration.
said Douglas County Engineer Todd Fitzger in Omaha CNN affiliate KETV A fleet of 40 snowplows hit the streets at 6 a.m. “You've got to be ready,” Fitzger said. “If you don't, if it goes ahead of you, it can really be a problem.”
Even the weather service Blizzard warning issued For parts of east central and southeast South Dakota, up to 11 inches of snow is expected and travel will be “very difficult to impossible.”
Blizzard warnings remain in effect across east central and northeast Colorado and northwest Kansas. Wednesday morning.
The weather service warned residents of areas under blizzard warnings to avoid travel, but to bring survival gear if they must and stay in their vehicles if they become stranded.
“Due to ongoing heavy snow accumulation and high winds, driving conditions are rapidly deteriorating across the state, particularly in central and north central 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 a trip is not recommended.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol has already responded to several crashes on icy roads and in Watertown. He warned the drivers Snowy road conditions and strong winds worsen throughout the day, making driving dangerous.
Airports, including Epley Airfield in Omaha and Sioux Falls Regional Airport in South Dakota, are monitoring the status of their flights and consulting with airlines as the winter storm system affects flights in the region. Delays and cancellation.
