American holiday travelers will struggle with mighty traffic as they return to their homes and to their work. Heavy snow and blizzards have been reported in Montana, Idaho and Utah and several major highways have been shut off from the public due to freezing.
According to The Daily Mail, severe winter storms since the weekend had plunged heavy snow across the United States. The news website said a "combination of freezing rain, snow and high winds" had forced highways in both North and South Dakotas to be shut off from public use last Monday. They also report that North Dakota authorities issued no-travel warnings for incoming and outgoing drivers.
In South Dakota, the South Dakota Rural Electric Association said about 16,400 residents in the area had a power outage during Monday evening. The news website also said that Central Minnesota is about a half-inch of ice that may ultimately impede vehicular travel in different areas including Idaho, Utah and Northeast Colorado. Snow also landed in Southern California forcing the closure of its north-south interstate highway for four hours last Saturday.
Along with the Dakotas, Montana is expected to have at least 15 inches of snow and stronger winds for the duration of the Christmas season up to the New Year. According to The Guardian -- citing National Weather Service Meteorologist Greg Gust -- travelers must "stay put." Gust warns that nothing will be moving "between the ice and snow and winds howling like crazy."
In the southern areas of Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee, warm temperatures are elevating risks of tornadoes and possible thunderstorms. The Oklahoma-based Storm Prediction Center expects no potential major outbreak but warnings and observation of possible flood continued as heavy rains fell consistently during the weekend.
Travelers braving the snowstorms as they return to their homes are advised to bring an emergency pack containing first aid, spare tires, spare car batteries, extra food and water and blankets in case of any roadside trouble caused by heavy snowfall. Traffic authorities are also on the watch for drivers on interstate roads in case of any emergencies.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
