The National Weather Service (NWS) announced on Jan. 3 that almost half of the U.S. is threatened by the winter weather as ice, snow and freezing rain already fall in many parts of the country. The condition is a prelude to the Arctic cold that will arrive in a few days.

Much of the eastern seaboard, including New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, were placed on a winter weather advisory as the freezing weather coming from the west brings with it thick snow reaching as high as two inches. Meteorologists are anticipating freezing rain by nightfall. Those driving home from the long holiday may encounter problems due to the slippery roads and reduced visibility.

In New England, the federal agency forecast up to six inches of snow and warned of the danger of traveling overnight, particularly in certain parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, where black ice poses hazards for travelers.

In New Hampshire, snow squalls have led to massive highway pileups. Whiteout conditions that covered the road with snow also caused accidents involving 35 vehicles on one interstate.

The Midwest likewise experiences a bitter season, with parts of it expected to have below-zero temperatures by Jan. 6. Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin were advised of snow and freezing rain. Travel is also especially hazardous from late Saturday to early Sunday as the wet roads freeze over and snow starts to fall again.

The NWS said that some areas in Minnesota and Iowa will likely experience over 10 inches of snow and winds with speeds of up to 40mph. Residents are advised to bring along safety kits or survival kits in their vehicles as help may take many hours to arrive for those stranded on the road.

Montana and Colorado in Western U.S already had inches of snow from last week but up to four inches of snow may still be piled up on top of this. Icy weather also froze water pipes around Denver, and these eventually exploded, leaving residents without potable water. Southern California also had a major snow storm, with the town of Julian having six inches of snow.

Hawaii, on the other hand, received blizzard warnings for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Big Island with the NWS warning of life-threatening conditions for those who would attempt to travel to these mountains' summits.

The cold system also brings thunderstorms and threats of flood in the south, particularly in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. The Pelican State already has tornado warnings, with trees and power lines around northwestern parts of the state already down.