It's mid-April and 4 million individuals are under snowstorm high alerts

Nothing says spring like hurricane-force winds, snow and tempests.

Also, that is exactly what mid-April is bringing to a million of individuals in the West and Midwest, with in excess of 40 million Americans under wind-related warnings and millions additionally expecting heavy snow.

Parts of Utah, Nevada, western Wyoming, Idaho and California should expect wind gusts to reach hurricane force on Wednesday, with winds of 74 mph, meteorologist Pedram Javaheri said.

Another 4 million inhabitants of Colorado, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Iowa, Wyoming and Kansas are under snowstorm admonitions through Wednesday night. The tempests, which have been developing over the Rockies, will pummel the region Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, the National Weather Service said.

In the Plains -- especially in parts of South Dakota -- there may be more than 2 feet of snow by Friday evening, Javaheri said.

Flooding threats

As the tempest moves into the Missouri Valley, where numerous towns remain doused after a month ago's record-breaking floods, the hazard for extra flooding will increment.

In South Dakota and western Minnesota, rivers will keep on encountering moderate to real flooding as extra snow will moderate the rate at which waters retreat.

Conceivable snow records

In Minnesota, the National Weather Service said a "potentially historic winter storm" may hit the state late Wednesday as the system moves east, with heavy rain, 50 mph winds and heavy snow. Minneapolis may see a foot of snow.

That is not very extraordinary. Simply a year ago, a mid-April snowstorm brought a record 15.8 creeps of snow to the Twin Cities.

This tempest may likewise set records, Javaheri said, including producing one of the snowiest April storms in Minneapolis when it arrives on Thursday.

The Red River is encountering noteworthy flooding due to dissolving snow with this new tempest likely dragging out the high water.

Airlines offering waivers

Frontier and United airlines will permit travelers planned to travel Wednesday or Thursday within the Plains area to change their tickets at no charge.

Frontier said customers whose flights are canceled may request a refund.