A powerful winter storm is continuing to ravage the United States, putting parts 29 states under winter weather alerts. The storm is likely to make travel conditions extremely difficult. And some areas are having power outages.

As of Wednesday, more than 65 million people across 29 states are being warned about severe icing, extreme cold, and sleet. 

The Upper Midwest region is expected to be hit the hardest by the storm, with the Minneapolis area likely to get more than 20 inches of snow on Wednesday alone. The multi-day storm could bring more than two feet of snow to the region, marking it as one of the most severe storms in 30 years.

The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities has described the storm as "historic." It is expected to bring widespread accumulating snow, with blowing and drifting snow mainly from Wednesday through Thursday. The worst impacts over the Twin Cities region, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs, are expected to begin late Wednesday into Thursday.

Winter weather alerts impact flights

The heavy snowfall is expected to be accompanied by gusty winds, making traveling a life-threatening task for thousands. More than 700 flights scheduled for Wednesday in the US have been canceled, according to the tracking site FlightAware. Among those, Minneapolis tallied more than 300 arriving and departing flight cancellations, and Denver had nearly 200 cancellations.

More than five million people across northeastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, northwestern Illinois, and southern Michigan are under ice storm warnings, while more than two million people are under blizzard warnings across parts of Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas.

In California, strong winds from the storm tore down power lines, knocking out power to more than 140,000 homes and businesses in the northern counties of the state, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz, according to the tracking site Poweroutage.us. California is still bracing for several feet of snow expected in the mountains, with a few inches possible in lower elevations.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has warned residents to prepare for a "COLD AND DANGEROUS" winter storm expected for much of the week. Gusty and potentially damaging winds are also expected.

The storm is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe winter weather. It's crucial to plan ahead, drive safely, limit travel if possible, and have a well-stocked emergency kit in case of power outages or other emergency situations. By taking precautions and following weather alerts, residents can stay safe and warm during the winter storm.