More than 40 million Americans are under threat as a powerful winter storm, named Winter Storm Ezra, bears down on the northern and eastern United States. The system is expected to unleash heavy snow, strong winds, and freezing rain from the Dakotas through the Great Lakes and into New England, creating treacherous travel conditions during the busy holiday season.
Blizzard warnings were issued early Sunday for areas including Grand Forks and Fargo in North Dakota, Rochester in Minnesota, Mason City in Iowa, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Winter Storm Warnings have also been placed from eastern Minnesota to northern Michigan, impacting cities like Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie, due to forecasts of heavy snow and wind gusts strong enough to cause whiteouts.
The Weather Channel confirmed that Ezra, which already soaked California with heavy rain over Christmas Eve and Day, is rapidly intensifying as it moves eastward. By Tuesday, the storm’s core is expected to move north of Maine, affecting over two dozen states along the way. The storm is drawing Gulf moisture, further increasing its power.
Ezra’s impact won’t be limited to snow. Parts of the Midwest and Northeast face icy conditions that could make roads impassable. Forecasters warn that the blizzard-like conditions may strand travelers and disrupt air and ground transportation during one of the nation’s peak travel windows.
The system is also bringing an arctic chill, with temperatures expected to drop dramatically across the Plains, Midwest, and into the South and East. Dallas, which hit 79°F on Sunday, is forecast to stay in the 50s on Monday. Atlanta will plunge from 71°F on Sunday to highs barely reaching the 40s by Tuesday.
Officials continue to urge residents in affected regions to prepare for power outages, road closures, and limited visibility as the storm progresses.
