In the Northeast, there is barely enough snow to open up the slopes in some locations, and nothing in much of the white stuff covering the rest of the states. Meanwhile, a bitterly cold storm is bearing down on parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. Strong winds and heavy snows are expected to hit the region just as people are gearing up for the holiday travel season.

According to meterologist Tim Ballisty “Ingredients include heavy snow, winds, falling temps and biting wind chills. Suffice to say, this is a dangerous and life-threatening storm for those stuck outside in the elements.”

Blizzard warnings had already begun heading out as the storm barrels twoards the region. In Colorado, eight to sixteen inches of snow were expected, and Interstate 25 could face closure.

In southwestern Kansas, Oklahoma, and parts of Texas were expecting heavy snowfall as well. The wet, heavy snow has already created problems near Santa Fe, NM. Winds of up to 45mph were expected to create whiteout conditions that could cause major accidents and strand motorists.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a mix of rain and snow will move into Illinois.

Currently, it is raining in Oklahoma and Texas, but that is changing over to snow as the temperatures drop at least twenty degrees.

In Guymon, Oklahoma, emergency management officials met to go over storm preperation on Sunday. Eddie Adamson, the police chief for Guymon, said that the wind and blowing snow could create major problems. Paul Braun, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Transportation stated “If you’re going to travel Monday night and Tuesday, I would really, really, seriously, strongly advise against it. Once you get home Monday night, stay home.”

Via MSNBC