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Severe winter storm puts much of US on high alert Here's what to know about the winter storm pummeling North America
(about 3 hours later)
Watch: Heavy snow as severe US winter storm moves east Watch: Snow blankets parts of New York and Nebraska
More than 70 million Americans are under winter weather alerts as a huge winter storm is forecast to bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade.More than 70 million Americans are under winter weather alerts as a huge winter storm is forecast to bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade.
Thirty states are under weather alerts in an area spanning 1,500 miles (2,400km) from Kansas to the East Coast, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Much of Canada and 30 US states from Kansas to the East Coast are under weather alerts, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Snowfall of 6-12in (15-30cm) is expected from Ohio to Washington DC.
A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky, Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. Parts of the US unaccustomed to severe cold, including Mississippi, Texas and Florida, have been warned to expect treacherous conditions. A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. Parts of the US unaccustomed to severe cold, including Mississippi, Texas and Florida, are expecting freezing conditions.
Forecasters say the extreme weather is being caused by the polar vortex, an area of cold air that circulates around the Arctic, sweeping down through Canada.Forecasters say the extreme weather is being caused by the polar vortex, an area of cold air that circulates around the Arctic, sweeping down through Canada.
Watch: Snow blankets parts of New York and Nebraska Watch: Heavy snow as severe US winter storm moves east
Follow live updates on this storyFollow live updates on this story
The storm has already hit the Central Plains and is expected to arrive at the US east coast by Sunday evening. After blanketing the Central Plains, the storm is expected to hit the US east coast by Sunday evening.
Parts of upstate New York have experienced at least 3ft (91cm) of snow so far.Parts of upstate New York have experienced at least 3ft (91cm) of snow so far.
Washington DC is bracing for between 5-9in of snow, while Philadelphia could get 2-4in. Washington DC is bracing for between 5-9in of snow. The city's mayor has declared a snow emergency until at least Sunday evening.
Nearly four million people are under blizzard warnings in Kansas and Missouri, where wind gusts of 40mph were projected. Congress is due to meet on Monday afternoon to certify Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election three months ago, and it is unclear if the deep freeze could delay some lawmakers returning to the capital from their constituencies.
Parts of Kansas and Missouri are expected to see anywhere between 4-14in of snow, and Indiana could see up to 9in. The Annapolis area near Baltimore, Maryland, could see 8-12in, the NWS predicts.
"For some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. Nearly four million people are under blizzard warnings in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, where wind gusts of 40mph were projected.
Parts of northern Missouri have experienced 14in of sleet and snow, while Kansas has received 10in.
"For locations in this region that receive the highest snow totals, it may be the heaviest snowfall in at least a decade," the NWS said on Sunday.
AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin said: "This could lead to the coldest January for the US since 2011."AccuWeather forecaster Dan DePodwin said: "This could lead to the coldest January for the US since 2011."
He added that "temperatures that are well below historical average" could linger for a week. He added that "temperatures that are well below historical average" could linger for a week. Temperatures 12-25F (7-14C) below normal are forecast.
Severe travel delays are expected. Nearly 3,000 flights into and out of the US have been cancelled, according to FlightAware.com. Severe travel delays are expected. Nearly 1,500 flights into and out of the US have been cancelled and nearly 5,000 more delayed, according to FlightAware.com.
Amtrak has also cancelled numerous train services.
American, Delta, Southwest and United airlines are waiving change fees for passengers because of the potential flight disruptions.American, Delta, Southwest and United airlines are waiving change fees for passengers because of the potential flight disruptions.
Conditions on roads have deteriorated, with crashes involving lorries and cars, as well as a fire engine rolling over near Salina, Kansas. Further north, Canadians are also feeling the effects of the polar vortex.
Much of Canada is under extreme weather alerts this weekend with frigid temperatures spanning the country.
Some areas are also seeing snow squalls - a sudden heavy snowfall accompanied by strong winds.
In the central province of Manitoba, the wind chill could see temperatures plummet to as low as -40C.
Meanwhile, parts of Ontario could see as much as 15in of snow on Sunday.
In the central US, there will be "considerable disruptions to daily life" and "dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures" on Sunday, according to the NWS.In the central US, there will be "considerable disruptions to daily life" and "dangerous or impossible driving conditions and widespread closures" on Sunday, according to the NWS.
Conditions on roads have already deteriorated, with crashes involving lorries and cars, as well as a fire engine rolling over near Salina, Kansas.
"Whiteout conditions will make travel extremely hazardous, with impassable roads and a high risk of motorists becoming stranded," the NWS warned."Whiteout conditions will make travel extremely hazardous, with impassable roads and a high risk of motorists becoming stranded," the NWS warned.
Portions of the southern US including Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, may see severe thunderstorms. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes will move east from Arkansas and Louisiana into Mississippi and Alabama on Sunday evening, the NWS said.
Private meteorologist Ryan Maue said: "It's going to be a mess, a potential disaster. This is something we haven't seen in quite a while."Private meteorologist Ryan Maue said: "It's going to be a mess, a potential disaster. This is something we haven't seen in quite a while."
How have you been affected by the storm? Share your experiences by following this link.How have you been affected by the storm? Share your experiences by following this link.
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How has the winter storm affected you? Tell us your experience.How has the winter storm affected you? Tell us your experience.