The central United States is bracing for a spring blizzard that's expected to hit the heartland on Wednesday and Thursday.

Weather watchers anticipate the major storm will include everything from high winds to heavy snow and rain, while also bringing the return risk of severe weather, just three weeks after a 'bomb cyclone' hit the area.

Temperatures could drop more than 30 degrees Fahrenheit across the northern Plains starting Tuesday, setting the stage for lots of snow.

Weather watches say a major blizzard is due to hit the central US starting Wednesday

Heavy snow, rain and winds are expected to continue through the area on Thursday

As much as 24 inches of snow could hit the Rockies, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and parts of Michigan

The snowstorm is expected to cover the Rockies with fresh snow, then head northeastward into areas of South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan, AccuWeather reported. It's possible that the snow could go down as far south as Kansas.

It's said that a foot or more of snow could fall on the North Central states and that the snow would be of the heavy and wet variety, which could lead to dangerous road conditions as snowfall rate pick up and cold air comes through quickly.

Forecasters believe that as the storm increases in strength, moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will be drawn northward and collide with sub-freezing temperatures from the north, leading to a lengthy period of near zero-visibility snow in Nebraska, South Dakota, northern Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin from Wednesday through Friday, CBS News reported.

Some computer models indicate snowfall could reach more then 30 inches in some areas from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, through Minneapolis and east to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, although it's more likely that the snow would max out at about 24 inches.

Some states are getting ahead of the game with winter storm watches already in effect in most of South Dakota into southwest Minnesota, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

Winter storm watches are already in effect in parts of South Dakota and Minnesota

Some weather models indicate that more than 30 inches of snow could fall, but at this time of the year it's more likely that it'll max out at 24 inches of snow

Meteorologists predict that wind gusts in the central US could reach 40 to 60mph, with the highest winds hitting the central and southern Plains

High winds could increase risks of fire damage in dry weather areas in the southern Plains

High winds are also expected to hit along with the heavy snow.

Meteorologists predict that wind gusts in the central US could reach 40 to 60mph, with the highest winds hitting the central and southern Plains.

It's believed that winds as strong as 90mph could even be seen across the Front Range and High Plains from southeastern Wyoming through eastern New Mexico and the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles.

Winds at these rates can result in a variety of damage both on the ground in and in the air, including broken tree limbs, downed power lines, flight turbulence and property damage.

There's also the chance that these winds could increase fire damage in dry weather areas in the southern Plains, while also reducing visibility in areas where snow is expected and creating blizzard conditions.

Heavy rains, meanwhile, could lead to flooding in lakeshore areas of the Great Lakes, as well as impacting areas already dealing with river flooding, such as Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois.

The areas where the blizzard hits hardest are likely to experience travel delays, particularly flight cancellations and road closures, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski.

The central US storm is expected to move on to the Northeast by the end of the week.