United States – After weeks of repeated winter storms across the country, another major system is threatening large portions of the U.S. As Winter Storm Ezra moves in, the National Weather Service is warning that the storm could bring blizzard conditions, extreme cold, and potentially life-threatening travel hazards across at least 15 states.
On Sunday, the agency issued winter storm warnings across wide areas and blizzard warnings for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, citing snowfall totals of up to 25 inches and wind gusts reaching 75 miles per hour in some locations.
Winter Storm Ezra Brings Widespread Snow and Blizzard Conditions
According to the National Weather Service, Winter Storm Ezra is a rapidly intensifying system moving from the Great Lakes into southern Canada, with impacts stretching from the Upper Midwest through the Great Lakes and into the Northeast.
In an early advisory reported by NBC News, forecasters warned that the storm would bring “heavy snow, blizzard conditions, hazardous ice, and bitterly cold wind chills” across multiple regions.
The agency said blizzard conditions are expected to create dangerous and potentially life-threatening travel situations, especially in areas receiving lake-effect snow.
Snow Totals Could Exceed Two Feet in Some Areas
While official snowfall maps show large regions receiving up to 18 inches of snow, some meteorologists say isolated areas could see totals closer to 36 inches, particularly in lake-effect snow belts.
“Over a foot of lake-enhanced snow is forecast across portions of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes,” the weather service warned, noting that strong winds could lead to whiteout conditions and scattered power outages.
The storm is expected to continue impacting affected regions into Monday and Tuesday, with heavy lake-effect snow persisting near Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Extreme Cold and Dangerous Wind Chills Expected
In addition to heavy snowfall, forecasters warned that strong winds and bitterly cold air moving south from Canada will create extremely dangerous wind chills.
“Wind gusts over 40 mph combined with sub-zero temperatures will lead to wind chills as low as −30°F in parts of North Dakota and northern Minnesota,” the NWS said.
These conditions significantly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, even with brief outdoor exposure.
Officials Urge Residents to Stay Indoors
Due to the severity of the storm, the National Weather Service is strongly urging residents in affected areas to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary exposure.
“Cold outside? Avoid the risk of frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors,” the agency said in a recent advisory.
The warning is especially critical for newborns, elderly individuals, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and unhoused populations, who are more vulnerable to extreme cold.
Officials advise wearing loose, layered clothing, covering all exposed skin, consuming warm food and drinks, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen heat loss.
Blizzard Warnings Prompt Do-Not-Travel Advisories
Blizzard warnings are currently in effect for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, where officials say travel could quickly become life-threatening.
In areas under winter storm warnings rather than blizzard alerts, authorities still caution residents to delay or reconsider travel, warning of severe road conditions, low visibility, and possible closures.
For those who must travel, emergency officials recommend carrying essential supplies, including warm clothing, blankets, food, water, a flashlight, phone charger, shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, and a full tank of gas.
“You never know when you will encounter winter weather or an emergency road closure,” the NWS warned.
Storm Impacts Expected to Continue
Forecasters say Winter Storm Ezra is part of an active winter pattern that has already brought repeated snowstorms across the U.S. this season. With blizzard conditions, extreme cold, and hazardous travel expected to continue, officials urge residents to stay alert to local warnings and updates as the storm progresses.
