A winter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 3:33 a.m. EST valid from 5 p.m. EST until Friday 1 a.m. EST for Osceola, Mecosta and Calhoun counties.

According to the NWS, "blowing snow is wind-driven snow that reduces surface visibility. Blowing snow can be falling snow or snow that has already accumulated but is picked up and blown by strong winds. Blowing snow is usually accompanied by drifting snow."

Some five million people are under winter weather alerts Monday morning, with the snow and rain that has disrupted the post-holiday travel period in the Northeast set to last well into the working week.