Winter storm expected to bring blizzards and ice to parts of the U.S., disrupting holiday travel plans.

A powerful winter storm is moving eastward from the Plains, driven by a significant cyclone, and is anticipated to create detrimental weather conditions across much of the United States. Meteorologists are forecasting a mix of snow, ice, rain, and severe weather, raising concerns for travel and safety during this busy holiday week.

As the storm gathers strength, snow and increasing winds are already impacting the Upper Midwest. The National Weather Service has issued warnings regarding the potential for whiteout and blizzard conditions, which could render travel hazardous, if not impossible, in various regions. In certain areas of the Upper Great Lakes, predicted snowfall totals could exceed 12 inches, with some locations along the south shore of Lake Superior facing accumulations of up to 24 inches.

In contrast, the South is bracing for severe thunderstorms as the storm system ushers in a dramatic drop in temperatures. This cold front, often termed a “Blue Norther,” will bring strong northerly winds that will end a stretch of record warmth across the region. For instance, Atlanta is expected to see a high temperature of about 72 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday—a continuation of a warming trend that recently culminated in a record high of 78 degrees on Christmas Eve, as reported by the National Weather Service. This abrupt shift in temperatures is expected to lead to lows plummeting to around 25 degrees by early Tuesday morning.

As the cyclone progresses, it is projected to generate intense snowfalls, blizzard conditions in the Midwest, freezing rain in New England, and thunderstorms spanning the eastern United States and South, accompanied by widespread strong winds. This storm is likely to gain momentum as it advances, fueled by a sharp contrast between the frigid air descending from Canada and the unusually warm air that has settled over the southern U.S.

This extreme weather event follows a weekend filled with significant travel disruptions, with numerous flight delays and cancellations across the Northeast and Great Lakes as a result of the inclement weather. Many travelers faced difficulties as they ventured out during the high-traffic period between Christmas and New Year’s.

Meanwhile, California is navigating a relatively calm weekend after recently enduring devastating storms characterized by heavy rains, flash flooding, and mudslides, which resulted in several fatalities. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported the discovery of at least four individuals who lost their lives, one of whom was found in a partially submerged vehicle near Lancaster.

As the nation confronts these diverse weather patterns, safety measures and preparedness will be crucial for those affected by the looming winter storm and related weather phenomena.