Winter Storm Live Updates: 170M+ Under Alerts as Ice and Snow Spread East

What to know

A potentially historic, massive winter storm will slam more than half of the United States today, moving east as it brings heavy snow, widespread ice accumulation, and dangerous cold. At least a dozen states have declared emergencies.

• At least 172 million people are under some form of winter weather warnings through Sunday.

• Up to a foot of snow is likely on the northern side of the system from Oklahoma to Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service. On the southern side, which includes Texas, the Carolinas, and Virginia, mixed precipitation is more likely.

• Gusty winds are expected to drop wind chills below zero, with minus 50°F possible in the northern and central Plains.

• Severe to catastrophic ice accumulation is possible and could lead to prolonged power outages, worsen the impacts of the cold weather, and create hazardous travel conditions.