Residents across the northern Plains and parts of the Midwest are preparing for a powerful winter storm that will bring strong winds, blowing snow and plummeting temperatures, potentially creating blizzard conditions and hazardous travel.

Widespread high winds capable of power outages and tree damage will also lead to dangerous conditions for wildfires in the Plains and parts of the Midwest. After dumping heavy snow in the mountain West,

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.