A potent winter storm is expected to dump heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain in the Central US while threatening powerful tornadoes in the South.
More than 15 million people are under winter weather alerts Monday from Utah to Wisconsin. The same storm system caused record-setting rainfall and deadly flooding in drought-stricken California over the weekend.
Rapid snowfall of 1 to 2 inches per hour is forecast from the Nebraska panhandle through southwest Minnesota, leaving a total of more than 12 inches of snow by late Tuesday. The onslaught of snow could be accompanied by thunder.
“These intense rates combined with gusty winds will produce areas of blowing and drifting snow, resulting in snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and difficult travel,” the Weather Prediction Center said.
Significant ice accumulation could lead to power outages and treacherous travel conditions.
According to meteorologists, more than 30 million people from Missouri down to the Gulf Coast are at risk for severe weather.
