Major pre-Christmas storm expected to hit almost every state, impact travel 

A “once in a generation type” storm is expected to impact almost every state and hinder travel on some of the busiest travel days of the year, according to the National Weather Service. 

The storm has placed more than 90 million people under winter weather alerts and 87 million under wind chill alerts, almost a third of the U.S. population, according to the National Weather Service. Alerts were sent off across 37 states, reaching as far south as the border states. 

The storm, a blizzard that could become a bomb cyclone, will increase the chances that millions will see a white Christmas this year. The snowfall totals from the storm are expected to be the highest in the Great Lakes region, where residents might see up to a foot of snow. 

The Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are most likely a white Christmas this year. Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana also have a possibility of seeing snow for the holidays. 

However, states further south also have a high chance of seeing an inch or two of snow on the ground, making it an official white Christmas for many. Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kentucky could see some snow on the ground. 

"It's very likely that we're going to see a white Christmas across the Northwest, especially the interior," FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said. "And there is a chance that we could see a white Christmas as far south as places like St. Louis," Merwin said.

The severe weather conditions are expected to severely disrupt travel for the next few days, with many flights canceled or delayed up through the weekend. Drivers are also expected to face difficult conditions on the road. 

“The best Christmas gift you can give this year is to be around for another Christmas,” the National Weather Service said in an advisory about the storm. “Plan now to delay, alter or cancel travel plans.”