Heavy snow is expected to blanket large portions of the Eastern U.S. while much of the country will endure dangerously cold temperatures in the coming days.

NEW YORK — New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are under winter storm warnings today as the entire region braces for snow. Tri-State Area officials have been issuing warnings and discussing the states' preparations in the days leading up to the storm.

Snowfall forecasts have increased for a winter storm expected to blanket New Jersey with widespread areas of 4 to 8 inches of snow. Winter storm warning areas were expanded early Sunday and a state of emergency is in effect. National Weather Service and AccuWeather

The NWS has issued storm and extreme cold warnings this weekend as powerful Arctic winds plunge temperatures nationwide.

Tens of millions of residents along the East Coast are bracing for several inches of snow Sunday followed by dangerously cold temperatures that will take hold in much of the country