On Tuesday, a monstrous winter storm targeted the Upper Midwest, promising to bring blizzard conditions, dangerously cold temperatures, and two feet of snow during a three-day assault that could affect more than 40 million People.

The storm was expected to begin about noon and last until Thursday morning in parts of the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, with winds blowing up to 50 mph and wind chills as low as -50 degrees (minus 46 Celsius).

Even in a region accustomed to high snowfall, the snowfall may be historic. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area may experience 2 feet or more of snow for the first time in almost 30 years.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area may experience 2 feet or more of snow for the first time in almost 30 years.

Some families rushed to complete their shopping before the weather worsened. Molly Schirmer stocked up on heat-and-serve dinners and Mexican Coca-Colas at a Costco in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park, anticipating that she and her two teenagers could be confined at home.