A strong winter storm is set to bring widespread snow, freezing rain, and blizzard conditions to the North Shore starting this evening. Difficult travel and power outages are expected on Wednesday.

Snow, damaging winds and dangerous coastal flooding are expected to impact parts of the southern Appalachians, the Carolinas and southern Virginia this weekend as a powerful winter storm rapidly intensifies off the Southeast coast.

NWS issued major warnings for Montana: “Damaging winds and heavy snow expected," gusts up to 70 mph. Travel is discouraged; blizzard conditions may cause whiteouts, difficult and dangerous roads. Winter is off to a wild start across the United States.

The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour kicks off as the three-day snowmobile fundraiser to support ALS research, featuring a scenic ride from Carlton to the North Shore.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) reports the midwinter thaw took a toll on area trails, but that didn’t deter many folks. Anglers reported varied success. Enforcement action was taken for various angling and license-related violations.

South Dakota is facing a volatile late-week weather setup that could bring snow squalls, dangerously strong winds and sharply colder air.