A high-impact winter storm dump snow across the central & northern Rockies and much of the north-central United States beginning Tuesday (northern Rockies) and continuing into the weekend (north-central U.S.).

The local National Weather Service offices have issued Winter Storm Watches, Winter Weather Advisories & Winter Storm Warnings for parts of Montana, far northeast Idaho, northern Wyoming, far northwestern Nebraska and western South Dakota for the threat of heavy snow. It is likely additional winter weather alerts (Watches, Advisories & Warnings) will be issued over the next 12-36 hours.

Current winter weather alerts Rockies

Current winter weather alerts Plains

Snow will begin across the northern Rockies on Tuesday before slowly transitioning south and east on Wednesday into the western North & South Dakota and much of Wyoming.

Future radar Tuesday afternoon Rockies (Tropical Tidbits)

Future radar Wednesday afternoon Rockies (Tropical Tidbits)

Future radar Wednesday afternoon Plains (Tropical Tidbits)

The snow will continue spreading south and east on Thursday into much of Colorado, far northwestern Kansas, western Nebraska and advance into the central Dakotas. The Denver Metro will see its first snow of the season with accumulations likely.

Future radar Thursday afternoon southern Rockies (Tropical Tidbits)

By late Thursday night into Friday, it is possible light snow may extend as far south as northeast New Mexico and the Oklahoma & Texas Panhandles (rain/snow mix). Continuing through Friday into Saturday, the snow will advance into eastern North & South Dakota, Minnesota and western Iowa.

Future radar Thursday night southern Plains (Tropical Tidbits)

Future radar Thursday night northern Plains (Tropical Tidbits)

Moderate to heavy accumulations are likely for much of the northern & central Rockies as well as north-central parts of the United States. It is too early to determine specific snow amounts but travel issues can be expected from Colorado north into Wyoming and Montana as well as into the Dakotas. Strong winds will help reduce visibility along with heavy snow for the Dakotas and Minnesota.