Massive storm to make Christmas travel messy for millions across central US

The millions of people who are expected to travel during the long Christmas weekend will face a tricky trip if their route takes them across the central US.

A powerful storm that has already caused problems for Southern California and the Desert Southwest this week will team up with another storm to create a variety of impactful weather.

Here’s a closer look at the far-reaching storm.

Heavy snow possible from West to northern Plains

Pockets of heavy snow are expected as the storm makes its way across the central US this weekend.

The snow really gets cranking in the Rocky Mountains from Montana to Colorado, where upwards of 2 feet of snow is possible by Christmas Eve in the highest elevations.

“Maybe Denver getting some rain into snow, maybe 1-3 inches worth,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said.

The northern Plains could also see snow in two different batches through Christmas Day as the storm moves east.

Nearly 5 inches of snow is possible along the Nebraska-South Dakota border, with some isolated areas seeing upwards of 8 inches of snow. 

Minneapolis, Minnesota, could even see a few flakes flying before all is said and done.

Icy weather could make for slippery roads

When the warm air and cold air collide in this storm, some people could see an icy mix of wintry weather.

The best chances of any ice accretion appear to be focused along Interstate 29 in the eastern Dakotas and western Minnesota, where freezing rain is possible after lunch on Christmas.

Heavy rain to raise risk of flooding across South

On the warm side of this storm is where heavy rain poses a risk of flash flooding through Christmas weekend.

Rain begins to pick up Saturday night across the southern Plains in a swath from Kansas to Texas.

Coverage increases on Christmas Eve, with rain stretching from the Canadian border to the Gulf Coast.

The risk of flash flooding exists in nearly a dozen southern states through Christmas weekend.

Parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas face a Level 2 out of 4 risk of flooding on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Day, that Level 2 risk moves east and includes parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia.