Winter Storm Wesley: How The Rockies, Plains Are Feeling Blizzard Conditions From Possible 'Bomb Cyclone'

Extreme weather conditions in the Great Plains and the Midwest began Wednesday morning due to the latest possible "bomb cyclone," also known as Winter Storm Wesley. It's the second severe storm to hit the region in recent weeks.

The latest effects have been felt from Colorado to Minnesota and could affect about 200 million people in the coming day. The whiteout conditions have already resulted in closures across schools, businesses and roads, as well as flight cancelations. The storm system could extend into Friday.

Winter Storm Wesley, which is taking place in Spring, has already been described by meteorologists as potentially "historic" with heavy snow totals and winds gusting over 50 mph.

The National Weather Service reported Wednesday that up to 2 feet of snow is in the forecast for Thursday from Nebraska to parts of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas.

Heavy rains and tornadoes could hit Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee on Thursday, according to AccuWeather.

Snow pounded the Minneapolis-St. Paul area Wednesday afternoon and could continue overnight.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis authorized the National Guard to assist in possible search and rescue efforts, while warning residents to stay off the road. Roads like I-25, I-70 and I-76 could be closed during the storm, according to the Denver Post. There is expected to be more snow and wind in the region Wednesday evening, with Northern Colorado possibly seeing eight inches of snow and winds at 70 mph.

A similar announcement was made in Minnesota by Gov. Tim Walz, who said that the National Guard was ready to aid in rescue efforts of stranded drivers across the state.

Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota also ordered closures of government offices across 52 counties, along with closing schools in select areas and parts of Interstate 29.

Previous reports stated the storm was expected to drop at least 8 inches of snow, with some pockets receiving over 15 inches. Once melted, the next fear is the potential for mass flooding across the region, which is still recovering from a bomb cyclone in March that caused billions of dollars in damage.

Some areas outside of the main area of the storm have also been feeling the effects of Winter Storm Wesley. Parts of New Mexico and Texas are at risk of 90 mph winds, which could spark wildfires.