Mega Storm Coming on Christmas — Snow From Burlington to Dallas May Bring Travel Turmoil

If you're done with your holiday travel already, be thankful. If you're traveling today, stay safe. If you're planning to head out tomorrow -- Christmas Day -- take note.

Snow plows at Chicago's O'Hare airport stand ready ahead of Friday's storm. Photo credit: AP.

Following the snowstorm that hit the northern United States last week, another weather system that Accuweather senior meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski writes will be even more "potent" is on its way. Those traveling Christmas Eve might have better conditions than those headed out on Christmas Day and through the middle of the week.

Here's more of Pydynoski's explanation of the approaching weather that will impact the Midwest, Great Lakes states and the Northeast:

Substantial snow will spread from the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas to the Red River and western Arkansas on Christmas Day with snow even whitening Dallas in the afternoon--a rare feat for Christmas.

The major snowstorm will then press northeastward Tuesday night into Thursday, passing from Arkansas into the Ohio Valley, then the eastern Great Lakes and Northeast.

The storm has the potential to unleash a half of a foot or more of snow starting Tuesday in southwestern Kansas and Oklahoma. Totals will even top a foot across the interior Northeast.

Cities in line to receive more than a half of a foot of snow include Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Burlington and Caribou.

The conditions are expected to make travel on the road treacherous in some areas. Those traveling by air might see delays or cancellations that could stick them wherever they celebrated the holidays for a day or two.

NBC's Today Show pointed out that the South will not be without its problems. Instead of snow, a warmer section of the storm system could cause severe thunderstorms with tornadoes.

Watch this Today Show report about the storm:

According to Flight Stats this afternoon, 1,949 flights were delayed and 82 canceled. Last week's storm spiked cancellations to 4,426.

If last week's storm was any indication of what those at airports or on the road impacted by the storm will experience, here's a look at the pictures to prepare travelers for what they might see Christmas Day and after Christmas conditions:

If you see any craziness while traveling this year, send your pictures to lklimas@theblaze.com.