Winter storm warnings in effect in 23 states

The country is expected to be hit by a series of storms this week with winter weather warnings in effect Monday for 60 million people in 23 states, ranging from southern California to the Midwest and central Atlantic.

Heavy snowfall was expected Monday from the Central Plains to the Midwest and Great Lakes where cities like Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; and especially Chicago could see its biggest snowstorm of the season.

Snowfall rates, which should sometimes be 2 inches per hour, will likely lead to unsafe travel conditions and the risk of power outages.

For the Chicago area, heavy snowfall around Monday night rush hour could also be accompanied by flooding along Lake Michigan. Strong winds over the Great Lakes are expected to lift large waves and cause flooding. For Lake Michigan, the forecast called for waves of 10 to 13 feet, producing a risk of water splashing on Lake Shore Drive as well as flooding in nearby parks and parking lots.

On the south side of the system, strong storms capable of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes have been forecast for the Tennessee Valley, including Memphis and Nashville, through Monday evening.

A winter mix will also move through parts of the mid-Atlantic from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, snow will move from the Great Lakes to the northeast while showers and storms linger in the southeast.

While the forecast calls for most of the snow in the Great Lakes and Midwestern regions, it is a more delicate forecast for the mid-Atlantic and northeast. As the storm moves east, it will encounter warm air, producing a myriad of precipitation, from rain to freezing rain, sleet and snow. This winter mixing will result in lower snow totals and more likely slush conditions.

Precipitation of 1 to 3 inches will fall along the path of the storm, as well as 6 to 12 inches of snow in parts of the Plains, the Midwest and northern New England.

For Chicago, 5 to 10 inches of snow has been forecast, with higher amounts possible. East Coast cities like Washington and New York could see up to 2 inches of sleet.

As this first storm emerges on Tuesday, another system of storms will form along the Gulf Coast on Wednesday and potentially move up the coast. There is great uncertainty with this system, but it could bring another wave of rain, snow and winter mix to parts of the southeast and central Atlantic by Thursday.

In addition, the West Coast also remains in a very active pattern with constant cycles of Pacific storms.

At least three more storms this week will bring more heavy rain and snow from the Pacific Northwest to California, east to the desert, southwest and to the Four Corners region.

Up to 3 inches of rain is expected along coastal areas, with locally higher amounts possible.

Up to 30 inches of snow is possible in parts of the Sierra Mountains and Arizona, which will bring welcome relief to the drought-stricken region.