Blizzard conditions cause widespread highway closures across central US

A severe winter storm impacted several states in the United States on March 19, 2025, particularly affecting Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. These states have been experiencing extreme blizzard conditions, characterized by heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility. In Kansas, blizzard warnings have extended from the region around Castle Rock down to the Kansas state line, prompting the Kansas Department of Transportation to close all major highways in the northwest. Visibility has dropped to less than a quarter-mile, and wind gusts have reached between 35 and 50 mph, resulting in numerous vehicles, including semi-trucks, becoming stranded on the roads. In Nebraska, the conditions have been equally dire, with the Nebraska Department of Transportation reporting that Interstate 80 has been closed between Lincoln and Lexington due to worsening travel conditions. As the storm rapidly strengthened, heavy, wet snow and strong winds hindered efforts to keep roads clear. The Iowa Department of Transportation has also been affected, with Interstate 29 facing closures due to multiple crashes along the route, downed power lines, and reduced visibility. Local meteorologists have reported significant snowfall accumulation across these states, exacerbating the challenging travel circumstances. Power outages have surged dramatically in the wake of the storm, with nearly 100,000 outages reported in Nebraska and over 33,000 in Kansas. These outages are expected to continue rising as the storm persists, affecting the daily lives and safety of residents. Emergency services have advised people to stay indoors and refrain from travel unless absolutely necessary. Authorities have also cautioned travelers about the potential for significant delays and possible closures on major roads throughout the region as they navigate through this powerful winter storm. Weather forecasts indicate the storm will continue to affect the Central United States through the following morning, with warnings and advisories remaining in effect. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with local news outlets for the latest information about the weather and travel conditions as the situation develops.