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 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.

A polar vortex is slated to sweep most of the continental US bringing winter storm warnings and a hazardous freeze to millions.