WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Friday that "the cold can be deadly" as a winter storm expected to impact half of the nation approaches.

"Take this storm seriously, folks. Moderate to major impacts are expected from the Central U.S. through to the Northeast today through the weekend," the weather agency wrote in a post on social media platform X.

"Hazardous to impossible driving conditions are expected. Avoid travel if at all possible. Widespread closures and disruption to infrastructure may also occur," it said.

The agency also warned in another post that "power outages are certain for some," especially in areas where the heaviest ice will accumulate on trees and power lines.

Earlier in the day, the agency said that heavy snowfall is forecast from Oklahoma to the Northeast, where over a foot of snow is possible for some locations through Monday.

In addition, widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast, the NWS said.

"The storm will cause significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions," it said.

On Thursday, the agency warned that over 160 million Americans are under winter hazards associated with the impending major winter storm.

NBC News reported on Thursday that at least a dozen states have declared states of emergency. ■