The forecast comes days after an expansive storm similarly trekked across the U.S. last week, unloading snow in the northern Plains and bringing tornadoes and wildfires to the South. At least five storm-related deaths in Nebraska and Mississippi were tied to that storm.

An unusually powerful March storm is trekking across the country with a wide range of hazards from strong winds that could set off blizzard conditions and dust storms to severe thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.

Multiple winter weather related alerts remain in place ahead of a winter storm, blizzard conditions tonight, Wednesday.

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.

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.