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Severe weather and winter storms pose threats to travel and safety throughout the Midwest.
While a strong low-pressure system is sweeping across the central United States today, the area is bracing for a mix of blizzard conditions and severe thunderstorms. The storm will affect an area from northeastern Colorado to the Great Lakes, as heavy snow and gusty winds make many areas hazardous.
Blizzard Warnings have been issued for some areas of northeastern Colorado, northwestern Kansas, and into northwestern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Such cities as Lincoln, Omaha, and McCook, Neb., and Sioux City, Mason City, Rochester, and Albert Lea, Minn., are directly threatened. Accumulations of a foot or more are possible in some spots and will seriously disrupt travel. Snow rates will be heavy, especially over the area from northern Kansas to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
At the same time, the warm sector of the storm will produce a severe weather threat, with thunderstorms forecast from Iowa to Mississippi and Alabama. The Storm Prediction Center has placed a Slight Risk over areas such as central Kentucky and Indiana, where tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds are possible. The threat of these storms continues through early Thursday morning, potentially leading to property damage and power outages.
The greatest concern for many will be the strong winds, which will hit 60 to 75 mph. These winds, coupled with blowing snow or dust, will make travel hazardous or even impassable in a few locations. High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories are ongoing over much of the nation, from New Mexico to Iowa and eastern Kentucky.
Citizens in the affected zones are encouraged to remain prepared with an emergency kit containing food, water, and blankets, and informed through the local weather forecast.
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