Winter storm conditions forecast from Montana to Michigan California

As the nation gets ready for snow to cover the Midwest to Maine later this week, hazardous winter weather began to spread in several areas throughout the country on Wednesday. Swaths of the Plains and Midwest were affected by winter storm conditions on Wednesday, and more than 2 feet of snow is anticipated in certain western states. California, which recently experienced blizzard conditions, is anticipating a freeze warning on Wednesday and Thursday in the state's centre while a winter storm warning is still in force in southern California until Wednesday night.

Winter storm conditions stretch across the Dakotas and Midwest: 

On Wednesday, North Dakota and parts of Minnesota are under a winter storm warning. The Grand Forks, North Dakota National Weather Service predicts a significant snowfall of up to 9 inches with wind gusts of up to 40 mph. Meanwhile, a winter weather alert stretched from Montana to Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Wednesday—and into Thursday in certain locations. In certain areas of Minnesota, snowfall of up to 6 inches was forecast. The Northeast, including Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, received a winter storm warning earlier this week.

Western states could see two feet of snow

On Wednesday, a snow storm warning was in effect for portions of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Colorado, snow accumulations of one to two feet are likely along the mountains in Colorado and Utah. Larger quantities and wind gusts of up to 45 mph are both anticipated in certain regions. Authorities advised individuals to have an extra flashlight, food, and drink in their car if they must go.

A freeze warning has been issued for California

On Wednesday morning, portions of central California were under a freeze warning because frost and freezing were predicted to ruin crops and perhaps harm outdoor plumbing. The National Weather Service in California advised that outside water lines should be wrapped, emptied, or let to drip gradually to avoid freezing and potential bursts. The arctic weather comes after winter weather struck the Golden State earlier this week, with blizzard warnings in effect until Tuesday for the Greater Lake Tahoe Region and Mono County. Up to three feet of snowfall was forecast for the region.