Powerful storms were threatening communities across the country with weather ranging from fire in the Southern High Plains to blizzards in the Midwest.

Forecasts also predicted dust storms in the southwest, tornadoes in the South and blizzard conditions in the Central Plains, and were forcing forcing some changes to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

More than 55 million people across the central and southern US are at risk of severe weather on Tuesday as a violent storm sweeps across the country, bringing the potential for blizzard conditions, tornadoes and fire weather.

The strongest storms could bring wind gusts as high as hurricane force (70-80 mph), according to the weather service. Winds like that could bring down lots of trees and power lines. A few tornadoes will also be possible, especially in southwest Alabama.

Severe weather is predicted to hit the Columbia area of South Carolina as storms are in Wednesday’s forecast, according to the National Weather Service. Effects from the storms are expected to begin Wednesday morning and could continue into the early afternoon,