Winter Storm to Bring Snow and Wind to the Plains Wednesday and Thursday

The first major snowfall over the Plains in several weeks will fall during the next couple of days as a strong low pressure center pushes out of the Rockies and into the Great Lakes. Winter Storm Watches have been issued for most of the Upper Midwest, with Winter Weather Advisories into the High Plains. A heavy, narrow band of snow may produce accumulations up to 10", but the majority of snowfall totals are expected to be much less. The strong low is expected to intensify as it moves out of Colorado Wednesday afternoon, pushing into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Thursday night. The fast moving system won't have much time to deposit widespread, significant snowfall accumulations, but wind is expected to be the biggest concern. The system will likely produce gusts as high as 40 mph. This will create significant blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility, especially in open country. Blizzard conditions may develop in some areas, making travel extremely difficult.