BREAKING: Blizzard Warnings Spread From Colorado To Minnesota As Whiteouts Slam The Plains
I am tracking a major winter storm that is now blasting the central United States. Blizzard warnings are active from Colorado to Minnesota. Heavy snow and violent winds are creating near-whiteout conditions. Travel is dangerous to impossible in many areas. Power lines are coming down. Crews are struggling to keep highways open.
What A Blizzard Warning Means
A blizzard warning is not just about heavy snow. It means life-threatening visibility and wind. The standard is clear. Winds of at least 35 mph, visibility a quarter mile or less, and conditions that last three hours or more. Today’s storm checks every box.
Snow is falling at rates up to 2 inches per hour in some zones. Gusts are topping 50 mph from northern Kansas into southern Minnesota. Blowing and drifting snow is cutting visibility to near zero. That is when even short trips can turn dangerous fast.
If you cannot see the end of your hood, do not drive. Turn back or shelter in place.
Who Is In The Path, And What To Expect
Warnings stretch across eastern Colorado, western Kansas, central Nebraska, much of Iowa, and southern Minnesota. Bands of heavy snow will pivot today and tonight, then slowly lift northeast. Some areas will pile up more than 6 inches, with higher drifts where winds hit hardest.
I am confirming major highway closures, including long stretches of I-70 in eastern Colorado. Whiteouts are frequent on open prairie and on east to west routes. Plows cannot keep up where winds fill lanes seconds after clearing. More closures are possible as the storm shifts.
Power outages are growing. More than 10,000 customers are already without power in parts of eastern Colorado. The risk for outages will expand through Nebraska and Iowa as gusts peak. Expect downed lines and tree damage. Plan for a long restoration in rural areas, where access is tough.
Downed power lines are deadly. Stay back. Report them. Assume every line is live.
Why This Storm Is So Intense
This system is tapping sharp temperature contrasts across the Plains. Cold arctic air is pressing south. A strong low pressure center is riding along that boundary. The result is a tight pressure gradient, powerful winds, and rapid snow growth in deep, moist air.
A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor. When cold air is present, that extra moisture can drop as heavy snow. That is why we can see intense snow bursts even in a warming climate. The jet stream has also been more wavy this season. That sets the stage for quick swings, sharp fronts, and fast-developing storms. Today’s blizzard is a prime example, with energy focused over open terrain that favors extreme blowing snow.
Prepare And Protect
Do not travel unless it is essential. If you must go, tell someone your route and arrival time. Keep your fuel tank near full. Charge your phone before you leave. Bring a winter kit, then keep it within reach in the cabin, not the trunk.
- Warm layers, blankets, hat, gloves, and boots
- Water, high-energy snacks, and needed medicines
- Flashlight, power bank, scraper, shovel, and sand or cat litter
- Bright cloth or flares to signal for help
If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Run the engine 10 minutes each hour to stay warm. Clear the tailpipe often so exhaust does not back up. Crack a window for fresh air. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna.
For those at home, prepare for outages. Charge devices. Check batteries. Set fridges to the coldest setting. Know where your shutoff valves are in case of a pipe break. If you lose heat, move to a smaller room, add layers, and avoid open flame heaters indoors.
Find local help fast. Call 211 for warming shelter info. Use your state 511 line or app for live road closures and plow updates. Check your utility’s outage map for restoration times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will blizzard conditions last?
A: In some areas, three to six hours of true blizzard conditions are likely. Blowing snow may continue into Wednesday, keeping roads hazardous.
Q: Will all areas see deep snow?
A: Not all. Some zones may get lighter totals but still have whiteouts from blowing snow. The wind is the main danger.
Q: Is this linked to climate change?
A: Warmer air can feed heavier precipitation when cold air is present. That supports higher snowfall rates in strong storms, even as winters warm overall.
Q: What if I lose power tonight?
A: Report the outage. Unplug sensitive electronics. Use layers and safe heat sources. Check on neighbors who may need help, especially seniors.
Q: When is it safe to shovel?
A: Wait for winds to ease and temperatures to stabilize. Work in short shifts. Push snow, do not lift heavy loads. Watch for ice under drifts.
The Bottom Line
This is a high-impact blizzard, unfolding now across the heart of the country. I am seeing rapid snow, fierce winds, growing outages, and widespread closures. Take this seriously. Delay travel. Protect your home and family. Check in on those who need help. When the sky clears, the wind and cold will still bite. Play the long game, and you will get through the storm.
