Another major cross-country snowstorm will continue pummeling the Midwest through tonight, making travel dangerous to nearly impossible. Parts of the Midwest, including Chicago and Detroit, that have been spared by recent snowstorms will bear the brunt of this one.

Snow totals are expected to reach 6 to 10 inches in both Chicago and Detroit by Wednesday morning with some suburbs picking up a foot. Such totals could make this the biggest snowstorm of the season so far for these cities.

While the heavy snow alone will be enough to significantly slow travel, strong winds developing tonight into Wednesday will make it nearly impossible. Portions of major interstates such as I-80, I-90 and I-94 will be affected and possibly even closed.

Significant airport delays and possible flight cancellations can also be expected with ripple effects across the country. Delays and cancellations of school and other activities will be another byproduct.

Even after the heaviest snow tapers off by Wednesday morning, winds gusting past 35 mph (blizzard criteria) will cause significant blowing and drifting of the snow along with whiteout conditions at times through Wednesday evening. This will make it difficult for snow removal crews to keep roads clear.

In addition, the combination of the winds and weight of the freshly fallen snow will put stress on tree limbs and power lines. Power outages could result in some communities.

As the storm strengthens into an all-out blizzard across the mid-Atlantic region early Wednesday, snow will lighten up across the Midwest. Most of any lingering snow will taper off by Thursday, though lake-effect snow will still affect parts of the region.

(Accuweather.com)