'Alter Travel Plans Now': Dangerous Cold, Blizzard Conditions In MN

MINNESOTA — Arctic air and a brewing blizzard are set to make Christmas week travel dangerous and difficult in Minnesota and across the Midwest.

"A potentially dangerous week of weather is ahead," the National Weather Service said.

"Multiple hazards are expected this week and each will be broken down in this thread. The bottom line is travel will be very dangerous and could be LIFE-THREATENING later this week so be prepared to alter travel plans now!"

Accuweather's team of meteorologists agree, noting that an "intensifying storm will coincide with a surge of frigid air that will send temperatures to bone-chilling levels through the holiday weekend and could be one of the most intense and prolonged periods of Arctic air in decades during Christmastime."

Minnesota could see wind chills down to 50 degrees below zero this week.

Here's what NWS recommends when it comes to Christmas week travel:

The bottom line for travel this week is as follows...

Travel on Tuesday is the best plan.

Wednesday travel will be heavily impaired by accumulating snow.

Thu-Sat travel will be heavily impaired by blizzard conditions and dangerous wind chills if you get stranded.