Blizzard warnings have been issued across the Central Plains, posing a threat to Christmas Day travelers with anticipated delays and dangerous road conditions. More than 725,000 people residing in Nebraska, South Dakota, and parts of Colorado are currently under blizzard warnings as of Monday morning. The National Weather Service has predicted heavy snowfall, strong winds, and icy conditions in these areas.

According to an early morning update on Monday, the National Weather Service stated, "Significant winter storm will 'let it snow, let it snow, let it snow' over portions of the Central Plains on Christmas where blizzard conditions and hazardous travel are anticipated; treacherous ice accumulations expected in the eastern Dakotas and northern Minnesota."

In preparation for the holiday winter storm, street maintenance workers and snowplow crews in Omaha, Nebraska, took to the streets early to ensure the safety of road users. Northeast and central Nebraska, specifically, are under a blizzard warning with an expected 5 to 11 inches of snow and ice accumulations, accompanied by winds of up to 45 mph, according to the weather service.

In response to the impending storm, the city of Omaha announced on Facebook, "We will have full street maintenance staff working beginning at 3:30 a.m. Christmas morning to plow and spread salt as needed. Contractor resources are on call."

The Douglas County engineer, Todd Pfitzer, stated that a fleet of 40 snowplows was deployed onto the streets of Omaha at 6 a.m. He emphasized the importance of being prepared, stating, "You just have to be ready. Cause if you're not, and it gets out ahead of you, it can really be a problem."

The weather service has also issued a blizzard warning for parts of east central and southeast South Dakota, with an expected 11 inches of snow and predicted difficult to impossible travel conditions.

Blizzard warnings are also in effect for areas across east central and northeast Colorado, as well as northwest Kansas, until Wednesday morning.

For those residing in the blizzard warning areas, the weather service strongly advises against traveling. However, if travel becomes necessary, it is recommended to bring survival kits and to stay inside vehicles if stranded.

The Nebraska State Department of Transportation issued a warning on Monday morning, stating, "Due to ongoing heavy snow accumulation and high winds, driving conditions are rapidly deteriorating across the state, especially in central and north central Nebraska. Travelers are strongly encouraged to check before traveling." The Nebraska State Patrol has also advised against travel.

In Watertown, South Dakota, the Highway Patrol has already responded to multiple crashes caused by icy roads. They have warned drivers that road conditions covered in ice, along with strong winds, will worsen throughout the day, making driving extremely hazardous.

The winter storm system is likely to impact flights in the region. Travelers flying from airports such as Eppley Airfield in Omaha and Sioux Falls Regional Airport in South Dakota are advised to check their flight statuses and consult with airlines regarding potential delays and cancellations.