Powerful fall storm latest: snow in Plains, huge temperature drop in Michiana

Once again a significant winter storm is hitting parts of the northern Rocky Mountains. The pictures above and below are show conditions in Montana as of late Wednesday morning.

This particular storm won't stop at Montana though. It is in the process of pushing out into the Northern Plains and eventually the Upper Midwest. As it does, plenty of cold air will be place to support heavy snowfall across parts of the Rockies, Dakotas and Minnesota. 

The "jackpot zone" with this major early season winter storm will likely be parts of the Dakotas and northwestern Minnesota. That's where 1-2 feet of snow -- if not more -- is a good bet. 

This has the potential to be record-shattering and historic for those who wind up getting hit the hardest.

Winter weather alerts are already in effect for millions across the Rocky Mountains and Plains. They range from Winter Storm Watches and Warnings to Freeze Watches and Warnings. In fact, a Freeze Watch extends all the way into Texas!

To put this storm into perspective, take a look at the 36-hour forecast for Denver, Colorado. They will see a high of 80° on Wednesday before only reaching 29° on Thursday as snow accumulates 1-3"! 

In addition to the heavy snow, that is the major story line with this system: the significant temperature drop set to happen. 

While the snow will stay well to our northwest, we will see a substantial drop in temperatures by Friday evening across Michiana and the Great Lakes as a whole. 

It's possible we go from the lower 70s to the 40s in a matter of hours Friday evening. That's how powerful this cold front will be.

Add in some blustery winds behind the front, and we will see "feels like" temperatures go from the lower 70s around 5-6 p.m. into the middle 30s by 8-10 p.m.! 

The exact timing of the cold frontal passage is still slightly uncertain, but in all likelihood, a big-time temperature drop will occur between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Talk about a shock to the system! By Saturday morning, everyone in Michiana will be "feeliing like" the 20s. And looking beyond this system, there doesn't appear to be much in the way of temperature recovery.

High temps will stay in the 50s and lows in the 30s and 40s for the foreseeable future. Joy!