A blast of winter weather is crawling across the country causing travel delays and hazardous roadways.

For millions of Americans, 2018 will end on a stormy note.

People in the plains and the Midwest should expect rough weather through at least Friday.

“It sucks, man! It’s obviously not fantastic.”

Winter weather alerts are in effect for more than 8 million people. 

Some parts of northern, central and western Minnesota could see a foot of snow before the end of the week.

“The temperatures are really going to plunge on Friday, so whatever is on the road, rain or snow, it’s going to freeze,” said Christopher O’Brien, a meteorologist.

That will make travel rough for the millions of people returning home after the Christmas holiday. 

“The first big snowfall of the year–a lot of people lose track of how they drove last winter,” said Greg Wax, a mechanic.

Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer declared a state of emergency Wednesday, in advance of the blast expected to strike the western part of his state.

Texas is also expected to get hit hard with large hail, possible tornadoes and heavy winds. 

Wednesday’s first responder bowl in Dallas was canceled after less than 10 minutes of play because of a powerful thunderstorm. 

The NCAA says this is the first bowl game to ever be canceled due to weather.

As for the south, some areas could see up to four inches of rains and possible floods.

The National Weather Service says another winter storm will develop over the Southwest on Friday.

Forecasters say that will result in more snow for the four corners region, including the Rockies.

Click here to read the latest forecast for Central Ohio from Storm Team 4.