While Chicago, Ill., has been graced with record-setting warm temperatures this December, blizzard conditions in other parts of the Midwest have created a messy travel situation as the holiday season winds down.
According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm prompted blizzard warnings across the northern and central Plains that continued into Wednesday. It said that the “hug circulation” in connection with the system “will take some time to spin down.”
“The main swath of snow that is still impacting portions of the northern Plains to the central High Plains this morning is forecast to taper off to light snow by tonight,” the NWS said Wednesday. “An area of mixed rain and snow will accompany the weakening low pressure center through Missouri today.”
During a 78-hour period over the Christmas weekend, two people died in Missouri traffic crashes. Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol also said there were 124 total traffic crashes in the state, as well as 71 injuries.
“During a high wind warning, motorists should avoid traveling since these winds can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles like semi-trucks and light-weighing and smaller vehicles,” said the Colorado Department of Transportation, which warned travelers Tuesday about continued blizzard conditions. “Other vehicles that can be negatively impacted by high winds include some pick-up trucks, SUVs, RVs, vans and buses. Also, if you’re towing or hauling a trailer, those can be blown around a roadway as well.”
Per the NWS, mixed rain/snow is expected to move into the Midwest later this week and linger or expand into the area as more energy interacts with a low-pressure weather system. Rain storms are also expected along the East Coast this week, as well as cyclones that the NWS said will bring snow to the West Coast.
“Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph with visibility one quarter mile or less at times,” said NWS in Anchorage, Alaska, Wednesday.
In the Midwest, the Nebraska Department of Transportation also continued to warn motorists about messy travel conditions. Videos of winter weather causing dangerous travel conditions there popped up on social media early this week, according to a Newsweek report.
“I-80 is now fully open both EB and WB. Hwy 30 remains closed,” said an X post from the Nebraska Department of Transportation. “Check http://511.nebraska.gov for the latest on openings. Use caution + patience as you get back on the roads - winter driving conditions still remain, so take it slow, turn off cruise control and watch out for plows.”
As of Wednesday morning, Winter Weather advisories remained in effect for portions of Nebraska and northern Kansas, said the NWS. The service has also compiled a list of snowfall caused by the storm throughout the nation from Christmas through 8 a.m. CST Wednesday.