Millions of Americans are in the path of not one but two powerful storms targeting the U.S.
Storm number one is already on the way. Meanwhile, the second storm is still taking shape. Both storms are packing a punch that includes snow and the potential for severe weather.
“If you have anything outdoors to do, I would highly recommend that you do it today rather than wait, because this is going to end up being one of those storms that is likely going to create some slick spots as well as some fender benders,” FOX Weather meteorologist Jason Frazer said.
The first potent storm is brewing across parts of the central U.S. after battering parts of the Southwest on Monday.
As the storm moves across the region, a lack of cold air will lead to mostly rain across the central states. The FOX Forecast Center said 2 inches of rain would be possible with this first storm.
The exception will be parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota, where up to 5 inches of snow will be possible.
As the storm system races northeast on Tuesday night into Wednesday, winds will pick up across the region, and blizzard conditions are likely during the morning hours Wednesday.
The criteria for a blizzard has nothing to do with how much snow falls. It is all about the visibility and wind gusts. The definition of a blizzard is winds 35-plus mph and a visibility of 1/4 a mile or less over a period of 3 hours.
As for the second winter storm, light snow will initially break out across the mountains of Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and Colorado on Tuesday morning. Few, if any impacts are expected. That will change by Tuesday evening as a strengthening upper-level low pressure swings into the Four Corners.
The FOX Forecast Center said a band of heavy snow and strong winds will develop and work west-to-east. It will first smack northern Arizona and southwest Colorado on Tuesday night before slamming New Mexico and Colorado on Wednesday.
An upwards of a foot of snow will be possible with this activity.
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Across the Plains, confidence is increasing that a swatch of heavy snow is likely from northern Kansas through Iowa and Wisconsin. This snow will begin Wednesday night and last into Friday.
Travel impacts are likely, along with school closures. Exact amounts remain uncertain, but 5-plus inches appears likely.