US weather forecast: Nationwide winter storm expected to produce tornadoes and blizzard conditions

Every person in the nation will experience the effects of this winter storm at some point this week, according to CNN Meteorologist Brandon Miller. Major roadways were closed due to the avalanche warnings that the storm had already brought to portions of the West.

As the strong storm moves across the country and poses a threat of severe weather for several days, more than 10 million people in over a dozen states are on some winter weather alert.

Conditions of a blinding blizzard

The storm will intensify as it moves eastward, bringing snow to the Rockies tonight. Before the system strengthens, a foot of snow is anticipated there. As a result of widespread heavy snowfall on Monday night into Tuesday, the Upper Midwest, northern, and central Plains will be impacted the worst.


According to the weather forecasting service, the Northern High Plains will see most snowfall until Tuesday morning, typically between 6 and 12 inches. Western South Dakota and northwest Nebraska are expected to receive the most snow, with accumulations of up to 24 inches likely.



Wind gusts up to 60 mph will also be present across a large area, extending from eastern Wyoming and Colorado to western South Dakota and Nebraska. A blizzard will develop due to significant snowfall and strong gusts, creating whiteout conditions and making transport impossible.

Conditions that qualify as blizzards include sustained winds of 35 mph or more and visibility of less than a quarter mile for at least three hours straight. Blizzard warnings run from just west of Denver into the Dakotas, while winter storm alerts cover the whole length of the Canadian and Mexican borders.

FAQs:

1. What is a tornado?
   A tornado is an air column that is rapidly rotating.
2. Why do tornadoes form?
   A tornado is created when warm, humid air and cold, dry air clash. Thunderstorms are typically produced when the colder, denser air is forced over the warmer air. An updraft results when warm air rises through colder air. Winds that abruptly change speed or direction will cause the updraft to start rotating.