Much of the nation east of the Rocky Mountains is hunkered down for what could be the worst winter storm of the season, followed by some of the coldest temperatures seen in years.

A huge, dayslong winter storm is trekking across the U.S. threatening to bring snow, sleet, ice, bone-chilling temperatures and extensive power outages.

The storm already had brought bitterly cold temperatures to parts of the Plains and Midwest, and could bring what forecasters said could be "catastrophic ice."

Impacts from what could be the most significant storm of winter are expected to begin on Friday, spreading ice, snow and cold across much of the U.S.

By Rich McKay and Julia Harte Jan 23 - Heavy snow was falling over Northwest Texas and Oklahoma City on Friday morning as a major winter storm began moving east across the U.S., bringing deadly cold and the threat of power outages and treacherously icy roads to almost half the nation's population and prompting more than a dozen governors to declare states of emergency.

The storm stretches from New Mexico to the South to the Northeast.

A photo of Cruz on a flight en route to Laguna Beach, California, went viral on Wednesday after it was shared on social media.

Texas is getting another round of winter weather, and low temperatures risk icy conditions. Check live road closures and tips for driving safely, courtesy of TxDOT.