30 states issue severe winter storm warnings

An "exceptionally large and severe" winter storm is expected to affect more than 170 million Americans in dozens of states this week, forcing school closures and virtually guaranteeing travel chaos.

More than 30 states have issued advisories or warnings as the storm travels from the Southern Rockies to New England from Friday to Sunday, The Independent reports.

Dozens of states are expected to face heavy snowfall, ice and low temperatures.

Wind chills can drop temperatures to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius) in some states.