Photos: Massive winter storm sweeps across the U.S.

"An extreme winter storm is underway impacting two-thirds of the U.S."

"Starting Friday and expected to last through Monday, freezing rain, ice, and dangerously low temperatures will stretch from New Mexico to the Northeast."

"Thousands of flights have been cancelled and power outages are of catastrophic concern especially for the southern states."

An extreme winter storm will affect roughly two-thirds of the United States beginning Friday and continuing through Monday. Freezing rain, ice accumulation, and dangerously low temperatures will extend from New Mexico through the central regions to the Northeast. Thousands of flights have been canceled, producing widespread travel disruption and delays. Power systems face catastrophic strain, with outages a particular concern in southern states that have less winter resilience. Ice and prolonged cold increase risks to transportation, heating, and public safety, and recovery efforts may be prolonged where infrastructure is damaged or crews face hazardous working conditions.

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