As millions of Americans hunker down for the winter storm, 19 states and Washington, D.C., have declared states of emergency.

Winter storm: Death toll rises as winter storm continues dumping snow across the U.S Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain are slamming large parts of the U.S. as the dangerously cold weather causes major power outages and travel disruptions.

The massive storm dumped heavy snow and ice across a huge swath of the United States, leaving more than 800,000 homes without power.

The storm sweeping across the US has arrived in New York City and the Northeast. Almost a million people, meanwhile, are without power in the South.

More than 230 million people are under winter storm threats as officials brace for power outages and travel difficulties.

In the Northeast, forecasts have called for 12 to 18 inches, though totals will vary locally and may be lower along the immediate coast. Mr. Lamers noted the potential for a “slowly pivoting snow band” to set up over the region; on the high end, localized areas could see two feet or more.

Snow started falling across New Jersey right on schedule early Sunday, with the heaviest snowfall along with a mix of sleet and freezing rain in some areas expected this afternoon. The National Weather Service made some final adjustments to forecast maps in its final forecast briefing for the massive winter storm.