Americans brace for catastrophic winter storm as hundreds of cars crash on icy roads: Live updates

Over 230 million Americans are under winter weather warnings for a storm forecast to bring heavy snow and catastrophic ice conditions.

Texas and Oklahoma are among the first states expected to be hit by the storm, which could create dangerous road conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

The massive storm system is expected to bring a crippling ice storm and potentially around a foot of snow from Oklahoma through Washington, DC, New York and Boston over the weekend.

Bitter cold air with wind chills of minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit is forecasted for parts of Minnesota and North Dakota.

The storm could be a 'widespread potentially catastrophic event from Texas to the Carolinas,' Ryan Maue, a former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told the Associated Press.

'I don’t know how people are going to deal with it,' he added.

Pictured: The National Weather Service's forecast for chances of at least six inches of snowfall

The Chicago Public Schools system canceled classes and after-school activities on Friday due to freezing temperatures.

'We have been carefully monitoring the forecast over the past 24 hours and have determined that, given the frigid temperatures predicted for tomorrow and a National Weather Service Warning that wind chills could reach -35 degrees, it will be unsafe for staff and students to travel to school,' the school system said.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the entire Empire State on Friday.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of the winter storm.

'This is a serious storm that will likely cause dangerous conditions on our roads and potential power outages, which is why we are doing everything we can to keep Kentuckians safe,' Beshear said.

'We ask that everyone does what they can to prepare now. Run any necessary errands before the storm, avoid traveling while conditions are dangerous, and have weather alerts turned on to stay informed.'

Panic buying has left store shelves completely empty in Washington DC as people prepare to spend the weekend buckled down inside their homes, NBC News' Gary Grumbach revealed.

Store shelves were left barren at a Trader Joe's in the nation's capital as locals brace for the wicked weather.

President Donald Trump blasted climate change experts as he warned Americans about the 'record cold wave' rolling in.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: 'Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain — WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???'

Millions of Americans are bracing for a catastrophic ice storm that forecasters warn could be so dangerous that you may not be safe even when inside your home.

About 230 million people across 34 states are under a variety of watches, warnings and other alerts ahead of the historic storm, named Fern, that could crush trees and power lines and knock out power for days.

Panic buying has left store shelves completely empty in Washington DC as people prepare to spend the weekend buckled down inside their homes, NBC News' Gary Grumbach revealed.

Winter storm could kill Americans sheltering INSIDE, forecasters warn

About 230 million people across 34 states are under a variety of watches, warnings and other alerts ahead of the historic storm that could crush trees and power lines and knock out power for days.

At least 14 states issued disaster or emergency declarations in preparation for the potentially catastrophic winter storm by Thursday.

Those states include Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Missouri.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties on Thursday and warned residents to start preparing for the storm early.

'Don't begin getting prepared late tomorrow, or think you can get around to doing it on Saturday. It's going to be too late,' he said.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a 'State of Preparedness' in anticipation of the storm.

'The safety and security of our residents is our top priority,' Moore said. 'Please remain vigilant, listen to authorities, use common sense, and complete emergency preparations as soon as possible.'

A powerful Arctic storm wreaked havoc over the last week after ice buildup led to a terrifying 100-car pileup in Michigan and six inches of snow fell across New England.

The major pileup involving dozens of vehicles shut down part of Interstate 196 in Michigan after freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall on Monday morning.

On January 16, New York drivers were involved in a frightening 30-car pileup on Interstate 81 as seven people were rushed to hospital

Arctic storm triggers 100-car pileup in Michigan

A chaotic scene unfolded on Michigan's interstate 196 as at least 100 cars piled up on the roadway due to severe winter conditions, as six inches of snow fall on New England.