(NEXSTAR) – As arctic air moves in, a bone-chilling cold is gripping a significant portion of the United States this Friday. Authorities have issued ice and snow warnings affecting at least 177 million people across the nation.

In the Northeast, where snowfall is a common winter phenomenon, states are bracing for what could be some of the most substantial snowfall in recent years. Connecticut’s Governor, Ned Lamont, has advised residents to gather supplies ahead of time and to remain indoors, especially on Sunday.

This storm’s peril lies in its reach, as the cold is predicted to extend unusually far south. It will merge with a system originating from the Gulf, leading to a treacherous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain in the southern regions.