Winter storm sweeps across US with snow, ice and severe weather

A powerful winter storm driven by a rapidly intensifying cyclone is sweeping east from the Plains, bringing heavy snow, ice and rain to much of the country. Forecasters warned of possible blizzard conditions and whiteouts in parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, where snowfall could exceed a foot and reach 2 feet near Lake Superior. The system is expected to deliver freezing rain in New England, thunderstorms across the South and East, and widespread strong winds. The storm follows some flight disruptions during the busy holiday travel period.