Widespread Power Outages Reported in Portions of the Northern Plains and Minnesota as Blizzard Conditions and Heavy Snow Unload

The blizzard conditions and heavy snow unloaded in portions of the Northern Plains caused widespread power outages, significant travel disruptions and many stranded.

(Photo : by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
December 23, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Early this week, a forecast warned blizzard conditions could emerge midweek in Northern Plains as weather conditions become colder.

In other portions of the United States, violent tornadoes were reported in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Next week, the forecast said that a blast of bitter arctic air is expected to emerge, which temperatures could become colder.

The report said the blast of colder air could remain until Christmas.

The threat of severe weather conditions has challenged many Americans wanting to travel for Christmas preparations.

It is expected that many would rush to supermarkets and malls for gifts and decorations.

However, significant travel delays and slowed commutes have been the main issue as travel hazards are present.

Blizzard conditions and heavy snow

While many are excited about the snow as Christmas arrives, it could be problematic as heavy snow with blizzard conditions resulted in travel delays and power interruptions.

AccuWeather's latest news this December 16, reported that the winter storm unloaded heavy snow blizzard conditions in Northern Plains this week.

The report explained that the blizzard and feet of snow caused many people to be stranded on roadways and one recorded injury in Utah.

The report also added that widespread power outages were reported as the weather conditions damaged power lines.

Without power, the extremely cold weather could be challenging for many families who depend on heating and electric blankets to ease the cold weather.

Prolonged exposure to cold weather could result in cold-related health risks, including potential hypothermia and frostbite.

Also Read: Widespread Snow and Ice Storm Will Fall on Portions of Northeast; Pennsylvania, Washington, and New York Could Expect Wintry Weather

AccuWeather reported that power outages were reported in Northern Plains.

As of Thursday, the report said that over 45,000 had no power in Minnesota.

About 70,000 customers in Wisconsin were also without power.
Over 43,700 customers were also reported without power in Michigan.

Residents without power should wear winter clothes or monitor older adults vulnerable to colder weather.

According to AccuWeather's news report, snowfall and heavy snow were recorded in portions of Utah, Salt Lake City, Olympus Cove and Minneapolis.

Blizzard conditions began to weaken, and snowfall on Thursday was reported in North Dakota, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Utah.

Road accidents and travel delays

AccuWeather explained that snowplows were deployed in Minnesota and affected areas to prevent heavy traffic and potential accidents as the heavy snow started to accumulate.

The report added that Clay County in Minnesota recorded about 17 road crashes due to the mix of rain and snow weather. Emergency teams were deployed to the area to help with road accidents.
Previous forecasts also noted that travel disruptions could occur due to severe weather conditions and blizzards. According to AccuWeather, portions of South Dakota and Interstate 29 were closed due to the wintry weather conditions.
Flights in the Northern Plains were also canceled or delayed as the foggy weather became challenging.