US on high alert , 60 million under weather alerts as winter storm aims for Plains to mid-Atlantic

 A massive winter storm poised to unleash a barrage of heavy snow, treacherous ice, rain, and severe thunderstorms across a 1,300-mile swath of the United States will affect an estimated 62 million people starting Saturday afternoon and continuing into Monday.

Snow and ice so far this winter in the eastern two-thirds of the country have been limited to northern states. But this storm will break that mold and bring treacherous conditions to millions from the Plains to the East Coast, including in areas less prone to winter weather.

This powerful weather system is set to batter at least a dozen states with a potent mix of snow, ice, and blizzard conditions, accompanied by winds gusting up to 40 mph, creating treacherous travel conditions and potential power outages across a vast region.