Blizzard and winter storm warnings went into effect Thursday for much of the Plains and Midwest, as National Weather Service meteorologists warn Americans to avoid travel as “the situation will become life-threatening if the vehicles are stranded.
Scenes of dangerous roads and blackout conditions are already emerging in states like Minnesota, where 7.4 inches of snow at the busy Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport set a new daily record on Wednesday.
“Widespread light to moderate snowfall is expected for this region, along with localized totals of greater than a foot south and east of the Great Lakes, where lake-effect snow is forecast to persist through Saturday,” the NWS said. in a notice Thursday morning. .
“Snowfall totals may not seem all that impressive with this storm, but combined with very high winds over an extended period of time will create blizzard conditions that can halt travel and overload infrastructure,” he continued.
THE ‘BOMB CYCLONE’ WILL IMPACT HOLIDAY TRAVEL WITH BLIZZER AND COLD TEMPERATURES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY
Greg Behrens, of Des Moines, Iowa, tries to stay warm as he walks down a snow-covered sidewalk, Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Winter storm conditions along a highway in Cambridge, Minnesota, Wednesday afternoon.
(Damien Natzel/WEATHER TRAKER/TMX)
“Heavy snowfall of 1-2″/hour, coupled with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph will result in near zero visibility and considerable wind and drifting snow,” the advisory also said. Impossible Times, Ground Travel and air tickets prior to the holiday weekend”.
Anyone living in the area is “advised to avoid travel if possible, as the situation will become life-threatening if vehicles become stranded,” the NWS said.
GEORGIA GOVERNOR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY BEFORE FREEZING TEMPERATURES
Plans for activation of emergency severe weather shelters sit in bins in a warehouse in Portland, Oregon, Wednesday, December 21, 2022, as officials open four such shelters ahead of an unusually cold weather system and an ice storm.
(AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)
Areas where blizzard and other winter storm advisories are in effect Thursday.
(fox time)
Wind chill warnings, watches and advisories also remain in effect Thursday for more than 30 states, from Washington to Florida.
“Daytime temperatures in the Central Plains will struggle to break above 0 degrees, while southernmost areas of Texas and the Gulf Coast will experience single-digit and teen temperatures Thursday night,” the NWS said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Expected snowfall totals for this week.
(fox time)
He added that areas with standing water, “particularly in the Ohio/Tennessee valleys, could experience a flash freeze this afternoon and evening.”
“Roads that were previously wet could freeze over in a short period of time, leading to slippery transit spots,” the NWS warned.
