Great Plains Braces For Heavy Snow, Treacherous Roads

SIOUX FALLS, SD — Winter storms will bring severe weather to much of the Midwest this week, creating potentially treacherous driving conditions for millions of holiday travelers and possibly affecting airlines. The National Weather service warned of heavy snowfall in the central and northern Great Plains on Wednesday and Thursday. A winter storm warning has been issued for eastern Colorado, western Kansas, western Nebraska, the Dakotas and Minnesota, meaning heavy snow up to a foot deep could fall in 24 hours. The wintry mix could lead to downed trees and power lines, leaving many in the dark.

The storm will sweep across the southern Rockies and southern High Plains, then head northeast the Middle Mississippi Valley by Thursday evening. CNN reported that 10 million people were under winter weather alerts across the region.

AAA estimated that more than 112 million Americans would travel this holiday season nationwide, and about 102 million would be on the roads.

In Colorado, the storm will impact travel across portions of the eastern part of the state Wednesday night into Thursday morning. bands of heavy snow, strong winds and blowing snow are likely from Julesburg to Akron and Limon. A couple inches of snow is also expected around Denver.

"Traveling east into far eastern/southeast Colorado, western Kansas, or southwest to north central Nebraska? Get it done during the daylight today, or wait til late Thursday - better yet Friday," the weather agency wrote in a tweet Wednesday morning.

In northeastern Nebraska, 6-9 inches of snow is possible along with some light icing and winds of up to 35 mph. The agency warned of poor visibility, snow- and ice-covered roads, and considerable blowing snow.

"The snow combined with northwest winds of 35 mph will result in dangerous travel conditions," the agency warned on Twitter.

Parts of South Dakota will get as much as a foot-and-a-half of snow, the agency projected. Sioux Falls could see up to half-a-foot of snow. As of Wednesday morning, snow had already started falling at Sioux Falls Airport.

"Snow covered roads and even a bit of light freezing rain is leading to slick travel across the region," the agency wrote. "You know the drill folks, winter driving skills are the name of the game today."

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