Forecasters predicted more than 2 feet of snow in some places, up to an inch of ice plus snow in others. Making matters worse was the expectation of brutal cold and winds gusting to near 60 mph. The first major, immobilizing winter storm of its kind this season is hitting the Plain states. Treacherous ice and blizzard conditions with up to a foot or more of snow will end up shutting down a large portion of the region, and will affect more than 100 million people
Winter weather advisories and blizzard warnings have been issued in many areas, and officials say the storm will bring ice, wind and cold temperatures along with the snow. "Travellers should be prepared to adjust plans accordingly as this is likely going to be a large and potentially dangerous winter storm," said the weather authority, in a statement.
A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS THAT FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW...STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES OF ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS ARE OCCURRING OR IMMINENT. THIS WILL CAUSE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS... MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. DO NOT TRAVEL! IF YOU MUST TRAVEL DUE TO AN EMERGENCY...TAKE YOUR WINTER SURVIVAL KIT. IF YOU GET STRANDED...STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES.
