A historic winter storm is poised to impact 40 states across the United States, potentially affecting 180 million Americans. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings, cautioning residents to prepare for heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet. This widespread weather event is expected to cause considerable disruptions to daily life, with hazardous driving conditions anticipated across numerous regions. Authorities are urging residents to take the storm seriously and avoid unnecessary travel.