A massive winter storm is expected to sweep from Central Texas to the Northeast this weekend, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

The National Weather Service warned of dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and tree damage, urging residents to avoid travel and prepare.

Cold air from Canada mixing with warmer southern air could produce significant snow and ice, with wind chills dropping below minus 50 degrees in parts of the Northern Plains.

Forecasters say the storm will be impactful and prolonged, though exact snowfall and ice totals may shift, NPR has reported.

Winter storm watches are already in effect across large portions of the South and Midwest, with experts calling it the most significant widespread winter storm in some time.