A powerful winter storm system moving across the Great Lakes and Northeast is bringing snow and ice, frigid temperatures and possible whiteout conditions.

More than 40 million are on alert as the next winter storm is forecast to bring inclement weather from the Dakotas into northern New England over the coming days.

At 2:13 a.m. EST on Friday, the National Weather Service released an updated winter weather advisory in effect until 11 a.m. EST for Alger, Luce and Schoolcraft counties.

A powerful winter storm system moving across the Great Lakes and Northeast is bringing snow and ice, frigid temperatures and fierce wind gusts.

A storm is expected to bring rain and snow to the Los Angeles area this weekend, with gusty winds and possible flooding possible in burn scar areas, forecasters said.

The watch was in place for Fayette Ridges. "The Winter Storm Watch has been replaced. Please see the latest information from NWS Pittsburgh PA on this developing situation," adds the National Weather Service.

After weeks of bare hillsides and limited terrain, ski resorts in Northern California's Sierra Nevada are seeing a welcome turnaround as holiday storms bring much-needed snow, with more on the way.

Flash flooding, water rescues and icy roads are just some of what Americans are contending with today, as extreme weather has people bracing from coast to coast. NBC News’ Maggie Vespa has the story.