Winter storm threatens to hamper Christmas plans as it grows into bomb cyclone

A massive winter storm is expected to hamper holiday travel plans and bring a torrent of snow across the Midwest, Northeast and South through the week, likely becoming a "bomb cyclone." 

The storm, dubbed by meteorologists as Elliott, will bring blizzard conditions in some areas during its downpour, which is expected to last from Wednesday through Friday, according to The Weather Channel.

Elliott may become a bomb cyclone, which is a storm that rapidly intensifies through a drop in pressure.

Some areas of the Great Lakes are predicted to receive more than a foot of snowfall, and fierce winds are expected to linger in the area, creating possible visibility issues through Christmas Day.

Wind chill alerts are in effect for more than 50 million people from the Rocky Mountains to the Midwest, The Washington Post reported.

Wyoming is expected to experience a wind chill as low as minus-70, while Dallas is projected to see minus-7 and Chicago is slated to be minus-27.

The National Weather Service warned some areas: "Stranded motorists will face the threat of frostbite, hypothermia and even life-threatening exposure."

"If you reside or have pre-Christmas travel plans in these areas, monitor the forecast closely and be prepared to make alternate travel arrangements," The Weather Channel advised.