Forecasters are warning of a sprawling winter storm that's predicted to spread a mess of ice and snow over a 2,000 mile stretch of the nation.

Saturday and Sunday are First Alert Weather Days as a winter storm is possible across the Southeast.First Alert HeadlinesAnother cool afternoon in store after a very cold morning.Slightly warmer temperatures in place later this week.

The National Weather Service issued a number of winter weather warnings for the United States this week as strong winter storms bring heavy snow and dangerous winds across portions of the country. "Cold west/northwesterly flow over the Great Lakes will generate snow showers downwind of the lakes

New York City can expect dangerous travel conditions and potential blizzards if the storm impacts arrive as expected.

For the first time this winter a significant storm is forecasted to impact much of the southern half of the country from Texas to the Carolinas leading to significant travel impacts and more.

Lake effect snow bands are expected to bring 12-18 additional inches Thursday through Friday after heavy accumulation earlier in the week.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A developing winter storm could bring freezing rain, sleet and possibly snow to the Midlands this weekend, with impacts potentially lasting into early next week. Because of that, News19 has issued Weather Impact Alert Days for Saturday and Sunday.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for several states as serious weather conditions are expected to hit parts of the United States on Friday and into the weekend, bringing potentially “dangerous” conditions.