Winter Storm Warnings Return for 6-12 Inches of Snow, 40 mph Winds in Multiple States: 'Dangerous Travel'

Wednesday marks April 1, but it's no joke that winter storms are still making their way across the U.S., even as spring is in full swing. The experts at the National Weather Service have issued winter storm warnings, watches and advisories for areas of Minnesota, Michigan and South Dakota, with conditions expected to create hazardous travel through the end of the week and into Easter weekend.

Expect 6-12 Inches of Snow in Areas of the Upper U.S., Creating Dangerous Travel Conditions

From Wednesday, April 1, into Friday, April 3, expect a surprise round of snow from 6-12 inches in parts of South Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan, largely the more northern areas, as well as 40 mph winds. So, even if things look nice outside right now, be prepared, because the weather can change quickly.

In a statement provided to Men's Journal, forecasters at AccuWeather stated, "After unseasonable warmth in portions of the Midwest early this week, temperatures are expected to quickly fall as a storm approaches, resulting in snow and ice beginning Wednesday afternoon." The statement adds that "this storm can result in dangerous travel from the Dakotas through the Great Lakes through Thursday night."

The snowfall is expected to fall on central South Dakota through southwestern, central and northeastern Minnesota to northwestern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, according to the report. They added that "because the snow is likely to be wet and clinging, it can also weigh down trees and power lines, similar to the ice threat farther to the southeast."

Then, over Easter weekend, more snow is on the way, with an additional storm projected to bring snow and ice to areas of Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Michigan and far northern Maine, according to meteorologists. So, even on Easter weekend, expect it to feel like winter in areas of the country.

Michigan, Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Bracing for Easter Weekend Ice Storm

On top of the snow forecast, AccuWeather meteorologists are forecasting an ice storm, which may cause power outages, across Michigan, Wisconsin, the Great Lakes and northern New England on Easter weekend. They're continuing "to monitor the potential for another storm bringing some snow, ice and widespread rain and thunderstorms across portions of the central and eastern U.S.," they stated. "The track of the storm will determine how many areas have snow and ice compared to thunderstorms across portions of the Great Lakes and Midwest."

So, while Easter is a spring holiday, the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center continues to issue winter weather warnings, watches and advisories, even this late in the season. The good news is that this will likely be the last blast of true winter weather as summer approaches.