Winter storm threatens millions in the United States

Powerful snowstorm hits Salt Lake City 0:40

(CNN) -

More than 14 million people are under winter storm watches and warnings as a severe winter storm makes its way across the eastern United States.

The federal government in the capital, Washington, is closed on Monday and weather-related disruptions are being felt across the country.

Several schools canceled classes and the New York City Department of Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for Monday morning.

Snowfall of 10 to 20 centimeters is possible in the southern Appalachians, and areas of the mid-Atlantic could see snow accumulations of 7 to 15 centimeters through Monday.

Additionally, there are winter weather alerts for inland parts of New England.

Meanwhile, severe storms and flooding are forecast in a stretch of the southeast, where coastal flooding along with high tide could cause problems, and weather advisories and advisories extend from Texas to Maine along the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic coast, as well as in the Pacific Northwest.

The winter weather, along with the effects of covid-19, has also caused a headache for air travel.

More than 2,700 flights in the United States were canceled on Sunday, and more than 1,600 were canceled by Monday, according to the FlightAware tracking service.

Northeast

New York City began spreading salt on the streets Sunday night in anticipation of 2.5 to 7 centimeters of snow during the morning, Mayor Eric Adams said.

Temperatures dropped significantly overnight, which could cause ice to form, added New York City First Deputy Commissioner for Emergency Management Christina Farrell.

For those who travel, "move at a slower pace" and "don't rush," Adams said.

"We are ready to face the storm," Adams said.

In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in five counties in preparation for the storm, which is expected to bring heavy snow, gusts of wind and coastal flooding in southern parts of the state.

New Jersey State Police Col. Pat Callahan said the forecast 10 to 20 centimeters in the south "gives us some concern, so we don't take it lightly and we want to make sure everyone is prepared."

Mid-Atlantic and Southeast

Washington is under a winter storm warning until mid-afternoon.

Heavy and wet snowfall is expected with accumulations of 7 to 17 centimeters, along with gusts of wind of up to 56 km / h.

Dangerous travel conditions are expected for both morning and evening commutes, and schools are closed in Washington and Baltimore.

Some parts of North Carolina could experience severe storms, heavy rains, heavy snowfall, wind gusts, and coastal flooding.

Governor Roy Cooper urged residents to be aware of the local weather forecast and prepare for expected conditions in the area.

"It's important to stay informed of changing weather conditions and to have a way to get weather alerts," Cooper said.

"A little preparation before severe or winter weather hits can help avoid inconveniences and emergencies later."

Meanwhile, parts of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee received overnight winter storm warnings, many of which will last until noon.

Up to 12 centimeters of snow is expected at higher elevations.

The National Weather Service noted that "although the ground is relatively warm due to recent warm temperatures, snow is expected to fall at high rates and accumulate even on the roads."

Snow should decrease from the west on Monday.

Slippery roads and black ice conditions could persist or rebuild well into Tuesday morning.

Some parts of western Kentucky have been dealing with flooding as streams continue to grow due to excess rain runoff, according to the weather service.

"It will take several hours for all the water from these storms to drain through local drainage systems in urban areas," the advisory read.

Between 5 and 11 centimeters of rain have fallen.

On Saturday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency due to heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes and high winds across the state, all in the wake of tornadoes earlier in the week.

Northwest

In the Pacific Northwest, a new system will bring heavy snowfall and travel hazards to higher elevations through Monday.

"A slow moving cold front will produce 1-2 feet of snow for the northern Cascades and the Olympic Mountains on Sunday before shifting focus to the southern Cascades on Monday, where 2-4 feet is likely," said the meteorologic service.

The system will also bring heavy rains to coasts and valley regions where isolated areas could be at risk of flash floods.

High winds were also forecast throughout the region and high wind alerts were issued.

"These strong winds can cause a large amount of snow coming from the dry powder snow that is currently on the ground. This can result in significant reductions in visibility ... especially over mountain passes and open terrain," warned the meteorologic service.

This reduced visibility will undoubtedly lead to dangerous trips around the region to start the week.

Midwest

The weather remains relatively calm in the Midwest, but temperatures have been bitterly cold.

The forecast calls for a gradual warming and the possibility of snow in the middle of the week, before temperatures drop again.

CNN's Haley Brink and Allison Chinchar contributed to this report.