Winter weather blows away tens of millions of people this weekend with up to 18 inches of snow

A MAJOR winter storm is forecast to pass through the Midwest, South and East Coast this weekend.

“Get ready, a big blizzard is coming,” warned AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

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The storm, named Izzy by The Weather Channel, is expected to affect tens of millions of people over the next few days with intense ice, snow, wind and rain.

There will be “major travel headaches” from North Dakota down to northern Georgia and back to Maine, say Weather channel.

It’s snowing right now in the Northern Plains and the upper Midwest.

Anywhere 6 to 12 inches of snow is expected to cover from the eastern Dakotas to western Minnesota and Iowa, AccuWeather speak.

Minneapolis, Des Moines, St. Louis and Kansas City are both in the path of the storm.

Early Saturday, tough driving conditions are expected throughout the area.

Next, Izzy is expected to visit more Southern states.

Winter storm warnings have been issued for areas of South Carolina, North Carolina and remote northeast Georgia due to expected snow and ice.

AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter said that the expected ice could contribute to power outages and damage to trees.

Atlanta is in the path of the storm, which could end the city’s nearly four-year streak without snow.

The storm will end after a period of activity in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Sunday and into Monday.

Heavy snow is forecast in the Northeast up to 18 inches late Monday.

Follow Weather.com.

Virginia Department of Transportation employees began pre-salting the roads ahead of the expected storm.

Southwest Airlines has released a travel warning in parts of the Midwest on Friday and Saturday and said it would waive the change fee for flights to, from or through airports in Des Moines, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Omaha and St. Louis.

Safety tips for winter storms

The South Carolina Department of Emergency Management shared some safe driving tips and winter storm advice before Izzy arrives:

Avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.

If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is working properly, your cell phone is fully charged, and pack extra blankets and snacks in case of delays.

There is a battery store.

If you lose power, know how to report the outage to your utility company.

Keep pets in a warm place with food and water.

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