A powerful winter storm slammed the midsection of the United States, bringing heavy snowfall and gusty winds that created hazardous conditions and led to the closure of highways, schools, and government offices in several states.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm could dump up to 12 inches of snow across a wide region stretching from southeastern Colorado to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This includes parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. On Monday, the city of Athol, Kansas, received nearly 8 inches of snow, and additional snowfall was expected overnight in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The treacherous weather conditions led to the closure of Interstate 80 in central Nebraska and Interstate 70 from Russell, Kansas, to the Colorado border. Numerous vehicles slid off the roads in northeastern Kansas. In response to the storm, federal courts in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, were closed on Monday, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increased water flow at a Missouri River dam near Yankton to minimize the risk of ice jams.

Several cities and schools in the affected areas also took precautions and closed their offices and campuses. Dubuque, Iowa, shut down city offices, while Cedar Rapids, Iowa, canceled classes. The severe weather has even disrupted political campaign events in Iowa, where former President Donald Trump's campaign had to cancel appearances by Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders and former Governor Mike Huckabee.

Further east, parts of northern Missouri prepared for up to a foot of snow as the storm system moved across the region. Kansas City, Missouri, announced the closure of City Hall, with municipal courts operating remotely. Meanwhile, Madison, Wisconsin, braced for up to 9 inches of snow and strong winds.

Northwestern Illinois and the Chicago area were under winter storm advisories, with forecasters predicting 7 to 12 inches of snow by early Wednesday. The Illinois Tollway advised motorists to exercise caution and drive slowly along their nearly 300 miles of toll roads.

The impact of the storm was also felt as far south as the Oklahoma panhandle, where Cimmaron County emergency managers urged residents to stay at home. Strong winds and blizzard conditions led to near-zero visibility, stranding over a dozen motorists.

As the midwestern states deal with the aftermath of this winter storm, the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies brace for another incoming storm. Blizzard warnings have been issued for the Cascade and Olympic ranges in Washington and Oregon, further adding to the wintry weather conditions across the country.