Washington D.C. - A massive winter storm is causing life-threatening cold in large parts of the US in the coming days.

In the wake of an Arctic cold front expected to move across the northeastern US this coming weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of severe subzero temperatures.

In the Great Plains – a plateau that stretches east of the Rocky Mountains from Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico – temperatures can drop to -50 degrees F in some areas.

On the East Coast, residents also have to prepare for heavy snowfall and freezing rain in some places. The freezing cold is expected to continue into February.

Environment and Climate Winter storm forecast to slam huge expanse of US with "extreme" cold and snow

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem called on the population to prepare for power outages, burst pipes, road closures, and flight cancellations due to the winter storm.

She advised people to stock up on an emergency supply of food, water and medication for at least three days.

So far, severe weather warnings have been issued for 20 states.

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According to a CNN report, at least 70 million people will be affected by the severe winter weather.