Blizzard warnings in effect as winter storm hits Plains, Midwest, forecasters advise to ‘avoid travel’

Blizzard and winter storm warnings are in impact Thursday for big parts of the Plains and Midwest, as forecasters from the Nationwide Climate Service are warning Individuals to keep away from journey because the “state of affairs will turn out to be life-threatening if autos are stranded.” 

Scenes of hazardous roads and whiteout circumstances are already rising in states reminiscent of Minnesota, the place 7.4 inches of snowfall on the busy Minneapolis−Saint Paul Worldwide Airport set a brand new each day report Wednesday. 

“Widespread light-to-moderate snowfall is predicted for this area, together with localized totals over a foot to the south and east of the Nice Lakes the place lake impact snow is forecast to linger into Saturday,” the NWS mentioned in a Thursday morning advisory.  

“The snowfall totals could not appear all that spectacular with this storm, however mixed with very sturdy winds over an prolonged time period will create blizzard conditions that may carry journey to a halt and pressure infrastructure,” it continued. 

‘BOMB CYCLONE’ TO IMPACT HOLIDAY TRAVEL WITH BLIZZARDS, COLD TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE NATION 

Greg Behrens, of Des Moines, Iowa, tries to remain heat as he makes his method on a snow lined sidewalk, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022.
(AP Picture/Charlie Neibergall)

Winter storm circumstances alongside a highway in Cambridge, Minnesota, on Wednesday afternoon.
(Damian Natzel/WEATHER TRAKER/TMX )

“Heavy snowfall charges of 1-2″/hour, together with wind gusts of over 50 mph will lead to near-zero visibility and appreciable blowing and drifting of snow,” the advisory additionally mentioned. “This can result in harmful, to at occasions inconceivable, land and air journey main as much as the vacation weekend.” 

Anybody residing within the space is “suggested to keep away from journey if attainable because the state of affairs will turn out to be life-threatening if autos are stranded,” the NWS mentioned. 

GEORGIA GOVERNOR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AHEAD OF FREEZING TEMPERATURES 

Plans for the activation of emergency extreme climate shelters sit in bins at a warehouse in Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, as officers open 4 such shelters prematurely of an unusually chilly climate system and ice storm.
(AP Picture/Gillian Flaccus)

Areas the place blizzard and different winter storm climate advisories are in impact Thursday.
(Fox Climate)

Wind chill warnings, watches and advisories are also remaining in impact Thursday for greater than 30 states, stretching from Washington to Florida. 

“Daytime temperatures throughout the central Plains will wrestle to get above 0 levels, whereas areas additional south in Texas and the Gulf Coast will expertise temperatures within the single digits and youths Thursday night,” the NWS mentioned. 

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Anticipated snowfall totals for this week.
(Fox Climate)

It added that areas with standing water, “notably all through the Ohio/Tennessee Valleys, may expertise a flash freeze this afternoon and night.”

“Roadways that had been moist beforehand may freeze inside a brief time period and result in slick journey spots,” the NWS warned.