Major Snowstorm to Disrupt Highway Travel - Complete Safety Guide
A powerful winter storm is approaching. It will hit several states hard. The National Weather Service has issued warnings. This storm will bring heavy snow and strong winds. Travel will become very dangerous. Many popular highways will be affected. This includes Interstate 80, Interstate 90, and others. You need to prepare now. This guide will help you stay safe.
Understanding the Winter Storm Warning
The National Weather Service issues warnings. They do this when bad weather is coming. A winter storm warning means serious weather is expected. It could bring heavy snow, ice, or strong winds. This storm will likely drop 12-18 inches of snow. Winds may reach 40-50 mph. This will cause whiteout conditions. Travel will be very hard or impossible.
You should take these warnings seriously. Do not travel if you can avoid it. Check the latest forecasts often. Conditions can change quickly. Stay informed through reliable sources. The National Weather Service provides updates. Local news stations also have good information.
What Makes This Storm Different
This storm is special for several reasons. It is coming from the northwest. It will meet warm air from the south. This clash will create heavy snow. The storm will also move slowly. That means snow will fall for a long time. Strong winds will blow the snow around. This reduces visibility on roads.
Areas above 5,000 feet will get the most snow. But lower areas could see significant amounts too. Ice may mix in at lower elevations. This makes roads even more slippery. Be very careful if you must drive.
Highways Most Affected by the Snowstorm
Some highways will be hit harder than others. Major cross-country routes are in the path. This includes Interstate 80 through Wyoming and Nebraska. Interstate 90 across South Dakota and Minnesota will also be bad. Other roads like US Highway 2 and Interstate 94 will see impacts.
State departments of transportation are warning drivers. They advise against all travel in these areas. Road closures are very likely. Even if roads stay open, driving will be dangerous. Black ice can form quickly. Snow drifts may block lanes.
Check road conditions before you leave. Many states have 511 systems. You can call 511 or check online. For example, Wyoming DOT has real-time info. So does the Nebraska Department of Roads. Use these resources.
Interstate 80: A Critical Corridor
Interstate 80 is a major trucking route. It crosses the entire country. The section through Wyoming is especially vulnerable. It goes through high mountain passes. These areas get a lot of snow and wind. Closures are common during big storms.
In 2019, a similar storm closed I-80 for two days. Hundreds of trucks were stranded. People had to wait in shelters. Do not get caught in this situation. If you are planning to use I-80, reconsider your plans.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Travel
If you must travel, prepare your car. This can save your life. Start with a full tank of gas. Cold weather can drain your battery. Make sure it is in good condition. Check your tire tread. Worn tires are bad on snow. Consider snow tires if you live in a snowy area.
Pack an emergency kit for your car. This should include:
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Extra warm clothing
- Non-perishable food and water
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- A shovel and ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Sand or cat litter for traction
Also, keep your phone charged. Bring a charger for your car. Tell someone your route and when you will arrive. That way, if you get stuck, people will know to look for you.
Winter Tire Tips
Good tires are key for winter driving. All-season tires may not be enough. Snow tires have special treads. They grip snow and ice better. Some states require chains or snow tires in winter. Check the laws where you are driving.
Make sure your tires have enough air. Cold weather lowers tire pressure. Check it regularly. Do not drive on bald tires. It is very dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has more tips.
Safe Driving Techniques in Snow and Ice
Driving on snow is different. You need to slow down. Speed limits are for dry roads. Go much slower in snow. Accelerate and brake gently. Sudden moves can make you skid. Keep a big distance between you and the car ahead. It takes longer to stop on snow.
If you start to skid, do not panic. Take your foot off the gas. Steer in the direction you want to go. Do not slam on the brakes. This can make things worse. Practice in an empty parking lot if you can.
Use your headlights in snow. This helps others see you. But do not use high beams in heavy snow. It reflects back and makes it harder to see. Keep your windows and mirrors clear of snow.
What to Do If You Get Stuck
If your car gets stuck, stay calm. Do not spin your wheels. That digs you in deeper. Turn your wheels side to side to clear snow. Use your shovel to clear around the tires. Put sand or cat litter under the drive wheels for traction.
If you cannot get out, stay with your car. It provides shelter. Run the engine for heat, but only for short times. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear. Carbon monoxide can build up if it is blocked. Turn on your hazard lights. Tie a cloth to your antenna to signal for help.
Essential Items for Your Winter Emergency Kit
We mentioned a car emergency kit earlier. Let's go into more detail. You should have supplies to survive for at least 72 hours. This is how long it might take for help to arrive in a big storm.
Your kit should include:
- Water: one gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food: energy bars, nuts, dried fruit
- Manual can opener
- Phone charger and external battery
- Basic tools: multi-tool, duct tape
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- Paper maps (in case GPS fails)
- Books or games to pass time
Also, pack personal items. Bring any medicines you need. Include extra glasses or contact lenses. Have cash on hand. Credit card machines may not work in power outages.
The Ready.gov website has great lists for emergency kits. Check it out for more ideas.
Staying Warm Without Power
If you are stuck in your car, staying warm is key. Wear layers of clothing. Wool and synthetic fabrics are best. They keep you warm even when wet. Avoid cotton—it loses insulation when damp.
Use blankets or sleeping bags. Share body heat if there are multiple people. Do light exercises to keep blood flowing. But avoid sweating—it can make you colder later.
Real Examples of Past Winter Storm Impacts
Winter storms can be very serious. In January 2019, a storm hit the Midwest. It dropped over 2 feet of snow in some places. Interstate 29 in South Dakota closed. Many people were stranded. Rescue teams worked for days to help them.
Another example is the storm of March 2021. It hit Colorado and Wyoming hard. Interstate 25 was closed for hours. Hundreds of accidents were reported. Several people died. Do not underestimate these storms.
The National Climatic Data Center keeps records of big storms. You can see how often they happen. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Lessons Learned from Previous Storms
We can learn from past events. Many people get stuck because they think they can make it. They underestimate the storm. Do not be one of them. If officials say stay home, listen.
Also, many people do not have supplies. They run out of gas trying to get unstuck. Or they get cold because no blankets. Prepare ahead of time. It makes a big difference.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Travel
1. Should I travel during a winter storm warning?
No. It is best to avoid travel. If you must go, check conditions first. Have a full tank of gas and an emergency kit.
2. What is the most important thing to have in my car?
Warm clothing and blankets. Hypothermia is a big risk in cold weather. Also, water and food.
3. How can I check road conditions?
Call 511 in most states. Or check your state's department of transportation website. They have real-time info.
4. What should I do if I am stranded?
Stay with your car. It provides shelter. Run the engine for heat only briefly. Make sure the exhaust is clear.
5. Are all-wheel drive vehicles safe in snow?
They help, but they are not magic. You still need to drive carefully. Good tires are also important.
6. How can I prevent my doors from freezing shut?
Spray silicone on the door seals. Or put plastic wrap over the seals. This can help prevent freezing.
7. Is it safe to use cruise control in snow?
No. Never use cruise control on slippery roads. You need full control of your speed.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Informed
Winter storms are serious business. This incoming snowstorm will cause problems. Highways will be slippery and visibility poor. The best plan is to avoid travel. Stay home if you can.
If you must go, prepare well. Check your car. Pack an emergency kit. Drive slowly and carefully. Keep informed about weather and road conditions.
Remember, no trip is worth your life. It is better to arrive late than not at all. Be smart and stay safe this winter.
For more travel safety tips, visit our guides section. Share this information with friends and family. It could help them stay safe too.