Winter Storm Landon Forecast to Create 2,000-Mile-Long Icy Corridor of Snow Across U.S.

Winter Storm Landon is forecast to bring heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across a vast patch of the U.S.

The storm is expected to be disruptive and cause delays for road and air travel as well as potential power outages across large parts of the country.

Storm Landon is set to hit mid-week and move from the Southern Rockies to the Plains, Midwest and Northeast, according to the Weather Channel.

A fresh wave of Arctic air will move southward into the northern plains and will be met by warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico moving northward.

Denver, Dallas and Detroit are among the major metropolitan areas expected to face weather and travel trouble.

The 2,000-mile-long expanse of snow and ice could break out as early as Tuesday night. This would impact parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

By Wednesday the wintry weather is expected to expand south and into east Texas, Arkansas and parts of the lower Ohio Valley. The sleet and snow are expected to last through Thursday.

Storm Landon is expected to be a slow-progressing storm, so by late Thursday and Friday the storm could be impacting parts of the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast.

AccuWeather meteorologist Joe Bauer warned of downed trees and power lines due to the icy winter weather.

"Depending on the exact track of the storm, an extended zone of icing may develop from central Texas extending through the Ohio Valley," he said.

"Areas like Dallas, Little Rock, and Indianapolis could be under significant ice threat around the middle of this week.

"Any areas that receive significant icing from this storm can experience downed trees and power lines."

He went on to say: "A swath of heavy snow accumulating in excess of 1-inch per hour could extend from portions of eastern Kansas through central Illinois, northern Indiana, southeast Michigan, and northwest Ohio, where totals of over 6 inches can occur."

Cities that can expect 6 inches or more include Kansas City, St Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, and Burlington. Some light snow accumulations are also possible as far south as parts of Texas.

While parts of western Texas and Oklahoma may not experience snowfall the mild weather is expected to be replaced by harsh winter cold.

As well as heavy snow, areas in the path of Storm Landon could experience freezing rain and sleet. This freezing rain can accumulate on tree branches and power lines, causing further disruption.

After the storm has passed, roads are expected to still be treacherous as cold air sweeping in could create icy roads.