Heavy snow is expected to blanket large portions of the Eastern U.S. while much of the country will endure dangerously cold temperatures in the coming days.

A polar vortex is slated to sweep most of the continental US bringing winter storm warnings and a hazardous freeze to millions.

Snowfall forecasts have increased for a winter storm expected to blanket New Jersey with widespread areas of 4 to 8 inches of snow. Winter storm warning areas were expanded early Sunday and a state of emergency is in effect. National Weather Service and AccuWeather