26 Dec 2018 | 06:33 PM UTC
US: Winter storm expected in Minnesota and northern, central Plains Dec. 26-27
Storm to bring heavy snow and strong winds to northern and central Plains states and upper Midwest December 26-27; transportation and power disruptions expected
Event
A winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snow and strong winds to the northern and central Plains and upper Midwest on Wednesday, December 26, and Thursday, December 27, and is likely to cause transportation and power disruptions in the area. The storm is expected to affect approximately 6 million residents from eastern Colorado to Minnesota. Rain is forecast to hit the affected regions beginning on Wednesday, followed by freezing rain and snow overnight and into Thursday. Areas of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Minnesota could experience 20-30 cm (8-12 in) of snow with up to 40 cm (16 in) falling in parts of South Dakota. Wind gusts as high as 80 km/h (50 mph) are also forecast along with extremely limited visibility.
Advice
Individuals in or traveling through the affected regions are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate power and transportation disruptions, including flight delays and dangerous driving conditions, such as extremely limited visibility and icy roads.
