Heavy Snow Brings Major Road Closures Across Area

I-80 Near York at 9:35 Christmas Day

The blizzard has caused several road closures across Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa, and even where roads are open, travel is considered treacherous.

In Omaha, police are only responding to injury accidents of situations where cars are blocking roadways. Because of the number of cars sliding off into snowbanks or ditches, they are not taking property damage reports.

The heavy band of snow is making north-south travel virtually impossible. I-29 remains open but is snow covered and so dangerous, officials will not allow towing services on the interstate. Many other major Iowa highways adjoining it are impassible. I-84 to the east and west is also open but snow covered and treacherous. Even areas with lighter snowfall amounts are experiencing heavy winds, making keeping the roads clear virtually impossible. Travel is not recommended.

In several areas along the storms path from Oklahoma and North Texas to South Dakota and Minnesota, some travelers have reported getting stranded and having to spend the night in motels or temporary shelters. Some Interstate highways in South Dakota have been closed. Blizzard warnings remain in effect Christmas Day for North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin in addition to Nebraska.

At least 18 deaths are blamed on the storm, with at least 6 reported in Nebraska.

The storm system is so powerful, Oklahoma has declared a state of emergency and the Dallas area is seeing its first white Christmas in more than 80 years.