A storm system will leave snow in all western states and a threat of tornadoes for the south

(CNN) --

A powerful storm system coming from Canada will leave snow across 11 western states for the next 48 hours, as well as a threat of tornadoes to the south, as cold air from the Arctic meets the boreal autumn heat.

"A powerful cold front will bring much colder air across the western United States, leaving heavy snow at higher elevations for the next several days," the Weather Prediction Center said.

Nearly 2 feet of snow could cover parts of the West

Snow is expected across much of Idaho and western Montana this Wednesday, causing slippery road conditions and low visibility.

"As the cold front moves through the region, it is likely to cause a brief period of moderate to heavy snow showers and westerly gusts across portions of north-central and southwestern Montana," the Weather Service office said. at Great Falls.

Authorities warn that strong winds could generate a snowfall that will limit visibility to less than 800 meters.

Throughout the Sierra, 1 to 4 inches of snow is forecast, with up to 10 inches for the lower peaks.

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As the cold front moves east, the Rockies will also be affected by a heavy accumulation of snow.

Now, a vast majority will welcome the snow, as nearly 75% of the West is in dry conditions.

Here's the snowfall potential the next storm brings late tomorrow into early Friday...the southern Colorado mountains getting some love this time around.

#cowx #utwx pic.twitter.com/aYhIhOJUQS

— NWS Grand Junction (@NWSGJT) November 1, 2022

"Widespread snow totals of 10 to 20 inches are expected in the mountains from this storm, with some locations in the San Juan area approaching 32 inches. Wind gusts will help make this a significant fall storm." the weather service office in Grand Junction said.

Behind the front, wind gusts and much cooler temperatures will set in briefly.

Highs in parts of Colorado, which will be between 10 and 15.5°C on Wednesday, will be around 1°C on Friday.

The threat of tornadoes returns to the south

The threat of tornadoes returns to the southern US. The map shows the risk, from lowest (green) to highest (fuchsia).

As the storm moves out of the Rockies and into the Plains, the cold front will be less of a winter concern and more of a severe weather threat to millions of people.

There is a high possibility of bad weather in the south for this Thursday and Friday.

Very heavy rains will occur across most of the Plains, Midwest and Deep South states as the system strengthens.

"All hazards will be possible, including damaging hail, damaging wind gusts," the weather service in Norman, Okla., said, adding that "some tornadoes cannot be ruled out."

Many of these storms will start overnight, further increasing the risk.

Nighttime tornadoes tend to be more deadly compared to daytime tornadoes because people are sleeping and are less aware of time.

By this Friday, the threat of severe weather is moving east, covering much of Texas and portions of Oklahoma, including the most populous cities in each.

More than 21 million people face the threat of severe weather on Friday, including the cities of Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio.

Our next round of thunderstorms will once again occur on a Friday, when some severe weather will also be possible.

Remember to keep up with the latest forecasts for your area as you approach the end of the week.

#dfwwx #ctxwx #texomawx #abilene #etxwx pic.twitter.com/dpMhfdJIYY

— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) November 2, 2022

"All severe risks appear possible, although damaging gusts and some tornadoes will be major concerns through Friday night," the Storm Prediction Center warned.

Heavy rains will accompany the threat of severe weather.

Most areas will see up to 5 cm of rain, however isolated even higher amounts could be recorded if storms remain or train over the same areas for longer periods.

Although much of the central US is also experiencing a drought and needs rain, excess rainfall could cause hard, dry ground to flood, especially in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, according to the Weather Prediction Center.

Snow storm