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.

It is January in Denver and the National Western Stock Show is in town, which can only mean one thing ... cold and snowy Colorado weather is around the corner. It is a tradition at this point, and this year will be no different. An arctic blast will bring temperatures 20 to 40 degrees below average and a chance for snow.

The NWS has issued storm and extreme cold warnings this weekend as powerful Arctic winds plunge temperatures nationwide.

Tens of millions of residents along the East Coast are bracing for several inches of snow Sunday followed by dangerously cold temperatures that will take hold in much of the country