Tens of millions of Americans are bracing themselves for the coldest temperatures in years, with winter storms set to pummel the US East Coast.

Rare winter storm threatens snow, sleet, and ice across the Gulf coast, leading to state emergencies and widespread disruptions.

Residents across the country from the Northern Plains to the tip of Maine are bracing for dangerously low temperatures as residents along the East Coast contend with a thick blanket of snow — and more snowfall in the forecast.

The Gulf Coast and Southeast could see an unusual wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain starting Monday in Texas.