Get ready: A rare weather phenomenon that meteorologists have ominously dubbed a “bomb cyclone” is due to hit the central U.S. on Wednesday, bringing in its wake hurricane-force winds, blizzards, and floods. CNN reports the huge weather system is expected to hit the Rockies, Central/Northern Plains to the Upper Midwest with blizzards and winds as strong as 50 to 70 miles per hour. Heavy snow, severe storms, and tornadoes are also possible.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota. More than 45 million Americans are under a high-wind threat; over 10 million are under winter storm threats; and more than 15 million are under a flood threat. The National Weather Service in Boulder, Colorado, warned Tuesday: “Please cancel any travel plans Wednesday afternoon and evening especially east of I-25, and stay tuned for further updates!”

Read more at WXIX.