AccuWeather reports a storm will create dangerous travel conditions across a 1,200-mile swath of the central United States into the weekend.

Blizzard conditions could develop in major hubs such as Denver and Chicago.

People from the Rockies to the northern Plains and Upper Midwest are bracing for a new round of snow and travel disruptions on the highways and at airports.

"Motorists and airline passengers may want to explore an alternate or more southern route as confidence is high that there will be widespread, major travel disruptions with this storm," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.

"The snow, ice and gusty winds anticipated this weekend will likely lead to airline delays and potential cancellations in the major hubs from Denver to Chicago and Detroit," Anderson said.

The plunge of cold air will be rapid and significant as the storm rolls eastward.

"For example, around Denver, the temperature will plummet from the 50s F Friday to below zero by Saturday morning," Anderson said. "The rapid freeze with high winds and heavy snow will create blizzard conditions with major delays likely at Denver International Airport."

During Saturday night, blizzard conditions could also develop around Chicago.

Farther east, the storm will also bring a wintry and icy mix with slippery travel from as far south as the Carolinas to as far north as Maine during the weekend. The storm will bring the first accumulating snow to Washington, D.C. and enough snow to shovel and plow from Philadelphia to New York City and Boston.

The report from the National Weather Service:

Localized snow squalls are possible on Thursday. Poor visibility and a quick half inch to an inch accumulation of snow can lead to Hazardous driving conditions if suddenly caught in a squall.

Wind gusts could approach 40 mph Thursday. A wind advisory may be required.

Bitter cold will move into the area late this week. Wind chill values will drop below Thursday night and could fall as low as 15 below zero. A wind chill advisory may be needed.

Snow will likely overspread the area Friday night before transitioning to a wintry mix by Saturday afternoon. A period of freezing rain is possible late in the day Saturday into Saturday night.