The storm tracking into the West will bring rain and mountain snow to that region and then possible blizzard conditions to the Northern Plains. High winds will be widespread and could kick up blowing dust and contribute to a high fire danger in the Southwest and Plains.

Multiple winter weather related alerts remain in place ahead of a winter storm, blizzard conditions tonight, Wednesday.

A potent winter storm is expected to barrel across the nation this week, unleashing a dangerous mix of extreme weather threats, including ferocious winds, blinding blizzards and critically elevated fire risks.

The forecast comes days after an expansive storm similarly trekked across the U.S. last week, unloading snow in the northern Plains and bringing tornadoes and wildfires to the South. At least five storm-related deaths in Nebraska and Mississippi were tied to that storm.

Powerful storms that killed three people in Mississippi and ripped roofs from buildings in a small Oklahoma town are charging across the nation, threatening more communities in the central to eastern United States with wide-ranging weather.