Screenshot from NBC 7 Chicago.

More than 40 million Americans across the Midwest and Northeast are preparing for a powerful winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, high winds, rain, and dangerous travel conditions over the next several days.

Forecasters say the system will impact hit vast swathes of the Dakotas, Great Lakes region, and New England, prompting officials to issue early blizzard and winter storm warnings as conditions worsen.

Warnings are already in effect for parts of North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including cities such as Fargo, Grand Forks, Rochester, and Mason City.

Winter Storm Ezra is set to begin impacting the Northeast. The newly named winter storm will bring heavy snow and ice. Stay up to date: https://t.co/gRu7fFbzl7 pic.twitter.com/1lVeibvgAS

— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) December 28, 2025

Meteorologists say snowfall totals combined with strong winds could significantly reduce visibility and make travel hazardous or impossible in some areas.

From eastern Minnesota through northern Michigan, including Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie, winter storm warnings are in place through Monday due to expected heavy snowfall and gusty winds.

The Weather Channel has named the system Winter Storm Ezra, warning that it is strengthening quickly as it moves east. The storm is forecast to reach areas north of Maine by Tuesday.

Weather officials say Ezra is the same system that led to flooding in California on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Whiteout conditions are slamming the Midwest, causing blizzard warnings and wind gusts up to 50mph. As the storm heads across the country, parts of the Northeast are preparing for icy conditions amid holiday travel. @danibeckstrom has the forecast. https://t.co/ZiHU60w6o0 pic.twitter.com/tIqaJXGBeQ

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) December 28, 2025

As it moves east, it is drawing moisture from the Gulf of America and intensifying, with impacts expected across more than two dozen states, stretching from Colorado to the Northeast.

In addition to snow and wind, a sharp drop in temperatures is forecast across much of the country, with people being urged to wrap up warm.

Cold air is expected to sweep through the Plains, Midwest, South, and East, with some regions seeing temperatures fall by 30 to 40 degrees in a matter of days.

Cities such as Dallas and Atlanta, which saw highs in the 70s over the weekend, are expected to experience significantly colder conditions beginning early this week, with daytime highs dropping into the 40s and 50s.

Forecasters are urging residents to prepare for difficult travel conditions, power outages, and rapidly changing weather as it moves across the country.

EDIT UPDATE: This article incorrectly referred to the GULF OF AMERICA as the GULF OF MEXICO. We apologize for the error.

Ben Kew is a writer and editor. Originally from the UK, he moved to the U.S. to cover Congress for Breitbart News and has since gone on to editorial roles at Human Events, Townhall Media, and Americano Media. He has also written for The Epoch Times, The Western Journal, and The Spectator.

You can email Ben Kew here, and read more of Ben Kew's articles here.