A blustery winter storm that caused a blizzard in the Great Plains over the Christmas holiday is now making its way across the country, with as many as 12 states in the Midwest and Northeast expected to see snowfall during the upcoming New Year's weekend.

According to the Weather Channel, the snowfall forecasted for this storm is smaller in scale compared to the one that struck the Great Plains. Nonetheless, the storm is still expected to bring significant snow to several regions.

Eastern Missouri, Southeastern Iowa, Illinois, Southern Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee are among the states that could see snowfall by Friday night. Residents in places like West Virginia, Vermont, upstate New York, and Maine can also expect patches of snow by Friday night.

Meteorologist Kait Parker from the Weather Channel predicts that those who missed out on a white Christmas in some areas will likely get some snow in the Midwest.

While the snowfall in the Midwest is not expected to be as severe as the Christmas storm in Nebraska, which caused multiple accidents and road closures, some areas in the Midwest and upstate New York could still receive up to three inches of snowfall. Far northern Maine may see five to eight inches of snow.

Fortunately, New Year's Day is not expected to see dangerous weather conditions that could disrupt holiday travelers, apart from the Great Lakes region. Most of the country is expected to have clear and favorable weather for New Year's celebrations.

However, on the West Coast, particularly in California, a different weather concern arises. Coastal flood warnings and high surf advisories are in place, with waves reaching up to 30 feet. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for the coastal area, urging people to stay away from rocks, jetties, and to be cautious of "sneaker waves" that can unexpectedly wash over the beaches.

Travelers heading to Los Angeles and San Francisco may experience travel headaches due to the high surf and coastal flooding advisories. Conditions are expected to improve in San Francisco early on Friday, while Los Angeles will continue to face high surf and coastal flooding advisories until Saturday evening.

In conclusion, a winter storm is sweeping across the country, affecting as many as 12 states with snowfall during the New Year's weekend. While the snowfall is expected to be smaller in scale compared to the Christmas storm in the Great Plains, caution is advised for travelers in affected regions. Additionally, residents and visitors along the West Coast should be aware of the high surf and coastal flooding advisories, especially in California.