In the driest areas many herds will be calling it quits for the season.

If there's no significant rain, it's expected lots of herds in the driest areas will stop milking by the end of February.

She noted that some of the fastest population growth has occurred in the driest areas, including parts of Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Texas.

Rains from the powerful storm are forecast to spread well inland, although they are not likely to reach the driest areas of the Midwest.