The National Weather Service says a major winter storm is forecast to produce heavy snow and significant ice starting in the central U.S. and moving east.

It’s the type of winter weather we see more frequently and don’t really have a tough time identifying. Snowflakes are able to reach the ground – and not turn into freezing rain or sleet – when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees from the cloud base to the ground.

UK braced for heavy snow and freezing rain amid amber weather warnings - Stranded vehicles on the roads and delayed or cancelled rail and air travel are likely, the Met Office warned.

Warnings have been issued for heavy snow and freezing rain over the weekend, with icy weather expected to cause disruption across large parts of the UK.

Large parts of the country will face disruption from heavy snow and freezing rain over the weekend after forecasters issued two amber weather warnings. Stranded vehicles on the roads, delayed or cancelled rail and air travel and power cuts are all likely as the UK grapples with a week-long spell of wintry conditions,