The northern region of a powerful storm system has buried millions under mountains of snow, as blizzard conditions grip several states. Some areas in South Dakota are grappling with snowdrifts exceeding two feet.
A snowplow clearing a road covered in snow.
NBC News National Correspondent, Miguel Almaguer, reporting from Duluth, Minnesota, described the situation as “epic.” Duluth has been pummeled by nearly 20 inches of snow in the past 36 hours, potentially making this one of the city’s most severe snowstorms on record. Even for a city accustomed to heavy snowfall, the current blizzard, with winds gusting over 30 miles per hour, has created treacherous whiteout conditions. Massive snowdrifts and chunks of ice, blown by the relentless wind, are causing havoc on roads.
The impact of the storm extends beyond Minnesota, with the Dakotas and Wyoming experiencing similar challenges. Spinouts and rollovers have been reported, leaving some truck drivers stranded on highways for over 30 hours – the longest they’ve ever been stuck.
A snow-covered landscape with a car driving on a cleared road.
These dangerous road conditions are expected to persist for several more hours. Duluth is bracing for an additional six inches of snow throughout the day, with blizzard warnings in effect until 6 PM. The storm shows no signs of abating, promising a prolonged period of severe winter weather.
