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.

The setup Friday through the weekend is a dangerous one in parts of the South, Midwest and East. Some tornadoes could be strong and widespread damaging winds are also a threat.

The storm tracking into the West will bring rain and mountain snow to that region and then possible blizzard conditions to the Northern Plains. High winds will be widespread and could kick up blowing dust and contribute to a high fire danger in the Southwest and Plains.