Late-season blizzard to impact the Plains

A high-impact late-season snowstorm will cross the Rockies Monday and then move over the Plains Tuesday. The warm side of this system will bring a significant severe weather threat to parts of the South and Midwest. The cold side of this system will bring blizzard conditions to parts of the Plains.

The WeatherRadar shows a powerful storm unleashing heavy snow and gusty winds stretching from the Rockies to the Northern Plains through the middle of the week. This system previously brought rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest and is now gathering energy over the Rockies.

Through tomorrow, the northern and central Rockies, including the higher terrain areas in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, will see 1-3 feet of snow. Cities like Casper, Wyo., and Salt Lake City will experience more than a foot of snow, gusty winds, and whiteout conditions.

As the low pressure becomes more organized and strengthens over the Central Plains Tuesday, blizzard conditions will stretch from northwestern Nebraska through the central Dakotas and into northern Minnesota. In addition to heavy snow up to a foot and a half, the WindRadar shows winds gusting over 35 mph.

Travel is not recommended in cities like Rapid City, S.D., Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D., and International Falls, Minn., through Wednesday. Residents planning to travel along interstates 29, 90, and 94 may need to make alternate plans.

Life-threatening cold is also in the forecast. The TemperatureRadar shows temperatures in the 20s and 30s in the Plains, but with winds gusting upwards of 30 mph, wind chills values will fall to near or just below zero. Those who are planning to venture outdoors need to be dressed for these conditions.

Weather & Radar meteorologists are also tracking the severe weather outbreak that is expected to occur Tuesday and Tuesday evening along this system's warm sector. Stay weather aware and make sure your Weather & Radar app alerts are turned on.