Snowstorm unleashes blizzard conditions across Plains, Midwest
A powerful storm has begun to unleash heavy snow and blizzard conditions across the north-central United States, prompting severe weather warnings, school closures and major road closures.
Meteorologists say the storm could dump 6 to 12 inches from central Nebraska to northeastern Minnesota, according to the National Weather Service. It added that, in heavier bands, areas could see up to 2 inches an hour.
"Heavy snow and gusty winds approaching 50 mph will produce blizzard conditions with near zero visibility into early Tuesday," the weather service warned. "Travel could be nearly impossible. Power outages and tree damage are likely in some areas due to the heavy and wet snow combined with icing and strong winds."
Schools shuttered, major roadways closed
The storms already have created disruptions and closures. South Dakota State University announced the campus would be closed through Monday night. Many school districts across South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin announced classes were either canceled or delayed.
The blizzard conditions also have prompted authorities to close parts of major highways, including Interstate 80, which runs across the country from San Francisco to New Jersey and cuts through southern Nebraska.
"Road conditions and visibility are poor in many areas of the state," the South Dakota Highway Patrol said in a statement Monday. "If you don’t have to travel today, don’t!"
Tornadoes and severe weather possible for the South
Across the Mississippi Valley and central Gulf Coast, thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes were expected Monday night and early Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.
Tornadoes and damaging winds were possible from parts of east Texas through the Lower Mississippi Valley, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Heavy rain and flash flooding could stretch as south as Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Wind advisories warning of downed trees and power outages were in place from east Texas and northern Florida to Missouri and West Virginia.
Meteorologists expected the storm to subside by Wednesday, the weather service said.
Meanwhile in the Northeast, more than 90,000 households were without power after a powerful storm dumped more than 20 inches of snow in some areas over the weekend, according to a database maintained by USA TODAY.
Contributing: Ken Alltucker
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storm dumps heavy snow: Blizzard conditions in Plains, Midwest
