The American Red Cross opened a shelter in Geneva for people stranded on area highways from the winter storm.

Randy Jones with the Red Cross tells 10/11 news two families are at the shelter now. The Fillmore County Sheriff's Office asked the Red Cross to open the shelter.

Numerous cars were abandoned along area highways from the winter storm.

The shelter is at the Geneva Senior Center located at 1120 F Street in Geneva, Nebraska.

Red Cross chapters all across the country are responding to the storm as needed. The Red Cross is working with state and local government officials and calling disaster workers, getting them ready to respond if necessary. The Red Cross has opened shelters along Interstate-70 in Missouri for stranded travelers in response to its closure.

The American Red Cross has more than 20 shelters open tonight across the Midwest.

This latest winter blast could further impact the Red Cross blood supply which has already seen more than 18,000 expected blood donations go uncollected over the last several weeks due to bad winter weather. People are asked to make an appointment to give blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org.

Those who live in the path of the storm are asked to schedule a donation time when it is safe to travel. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood.

Weather experts are predicting the storm could affect about 100 million people. Heavy snow will make travel impossible at times, with snow drifting as high as eight feet in some locations. Some areas will experience a crippling amount of ice which could lead to power outages for hundreds of thousands of customers. Dangerously cold air could give way to wind chills reading below zero. Southern states will not escape the storm’s fury, as severe thunderstorms are predicted to sweep across the region, accompanied by damaging winds.

If possible, people should stay inside and avoid unnecessary travel. The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to stay safe and warm:
• Do not use stoves or ovens to heat the home.
• Place space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away.
• Turn off space heaters or extinguish the fireplace before going to bed or leaving home.
• Keep all flammable materials such as newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.
If someone must go outside, they should wear layered lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Covering the mouth will protect the lungs. Other safety tips include:
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
• If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid overexertion.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if someone must be out on the roads …
o Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
o Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
o The traveler should let someone know where they are going, the route being taken and expected arrival time. If their vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.

For more information on how to stay safe and warm during this latest onslaught of winter, visit www.redcross.org.