DALLAS — Texas and Oklahoma braced for heavy snow and ice that could make roadways treacherous Friday in what is expected to be a huge, dayslong winter storm threatening catastrophic damage, extensive power outages and bitterly cold weather to more than 170 million people across the nation.

More than 8,000 flights have been canceled across the U.S. as a major storm expected to wreak havoc across much of the country bears down.

A winter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Norman at 10:12 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

DFW Airport is leading the nation in flight disruptions Friday as North Texas braces for snow, ice and record-breaking cold.

A vast winter storm is poised to unleash catastrophic damage, extensive power outages, and bitterly cold weather across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, with Texas and Oklahoma already bracing for treacherous conditions. Forecasters predict heavy snow and ice will make roadways perilous from Friday onwards.

Oklahoma is being hit with winter weather Friday into the weekend bringing cold temperatures and snow. According to KFOR Meteorologist Jon Slater, a major winter storm is taking shape as the coldest air of the season arrives.