Coast-to-coast winter storm hits the U.S., bringing blizzards and tornadoes 

A giant winter storm is expected to plow through the United States, bringing severe storms, blizzard conditions, and tornadoes across the nation. 

The coast-to-coast storm has put more than 15 million people across 17 states under severe winter weather alerts as it is expected to strengthen throughout the week. 

Parts of the Great Plains are expected to see severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flash flooding. Parts of the central and northern plains can see snowfall of up to 1-2 inches per hour and 40 mph winds. 

Severe blizzard warnings have been extended in Denver, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and Dakotas. In some areas, the winter conditions are expected to become life-threatening. Some areas in the region can see up to 20 inches of snow and strong winds. 

In the south, the storm is expected to bring late-season tornadoes, hail, and thunderstorms. The area from eastern Texas to northern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi can expect tornadoes, straight-line winds, and large hail, according to the Storm Prediction Center forecasts. Parts of Texas and Oklahoma are also expected to see tornadoes and ping-pong-size hail, with wind gusts of up to 75 mph. 

The storm has also affected travel conditions in several states, with many airlines canceling flights. On Sunday, more than 6,000 flights were delayed, and 4,500 were delayed by Monday evening, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.com.

Additionally, the storm prediction center said that the lower 48 states will be seeing “bitterly” cold temperatures for the next two weeks. 

"Heavy snow will likely accumulate to more than 1 foot in some areas, which combined with strong winds will produce nearly impossible travel," the prediction center warned.