UPDATED: Storm Headed to Wheaton Could Mean 50 MPH Winds, Difficult Holiday Travel

Updated Wednesday, 7:22 a.m.: 

The National Weather Service reports a slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight tonight. Wednesday will be cloudy with a high near 41, with light wind. The chance of rain Wednesday night is 100 percent, with possible rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch.

Original:

AccuWeather is reporting a blizzard is on its way as it unfolds near Colorado and Kansas Wednesday and heads northeast to Michigan and Ontario by late Thursday, producing high winds over the Plains, Midwest and the East.

According to AccuWeather:

Over the Plains and the Upper Midwest, where snow falls and wind gusts reach 50 mph, extensive blowing and drifting snow is in store with local whiteout conditions. Widespread travel problems are anticipated with this storm. 

The skies should remain cloudy in Wheaton for most of the day Tuesday, with a chance of rain and flurries around 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, and a 54 percent chance of rain and 46 percent chance of snow around 6 p.m., according to AccuWeather.

Wednesday will be partly sunny until clouds roll in after noon. Around 8 p.m., a 64 percent chance of rain is expected to be in effect most of the night, turning to snow Thursday morning. 

Let Patch save you time. Get stories delivered to your inbox—sign up for our email newsletter. Fast signup here. You can also like us on Facebook.

AccuWeather reports 1-2 inches of snow could accumulate before Thursday evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports winds will most likely become strong Thursday afternoon, with gusts as high as 45 to 50 mph. 

"Anyone who plans on traveling across the Midwest Wednesday night through Thursday night should be prepared for difficult travel, especially for areas west and north of Chicago," according to NWS.

Check back with Patch for updates on the storm.