Storm threatens 100 million in US with snow, ice, cold

A mammoth storm threatens to dump mounds of fresh snow, sleet and ice on about 100 million already winter-weary people on Tuesday as it barrels eastward across the United States.

High winds and freezing rain threatened to turn roads into deadly ice rinks and knock down trees and power lines and forecasts warned of dangerously cold temperatures.

Blizzard, winter storm and freezing rain warnings were issued for more than 25 states, from North Dakota and Colorado down to New Mexico, then up through Texas, Kansas and Missouri to the Great Lakes region and across Pennsylvania to New England.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urged residents to prepare in earnest for the fury of the storm.

"A storm of this size and scope needs to be taken seriously," said FEMA administrator Craig Fugate, who warned that "it's critical that the public does its part to get ready."

Fugate urged residents in storm affected regions to "check on your neighbours, especially the elderly and young children -- those who can be most vulnerable during emergencies."

Scores of schools and government offices were closed Monday as freezing rain began to fall and more were set to close today.

Airlines warned of significant delays and cancellations and offered customers a chance to rebook flights at no fee.

The worst of the storm is expected today afternoon and evening as a large am [...]