As the winter storm rages, here's what to know

A powerful winter storm has begun slowly carving its way across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., potentially bringing a mix of heavy snow, dangerous ice and bitterly cold temperatures from New Mexico to New England.

More than 30 states, including Indiana, were under a National Weather Service watch, warning or advisory as of Saturday morning. NWS forecasters were particularly concerned about freezing rain and ice, warning that "catastrophic ice accumulations are expected from the Southern Plains to the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic."

Gov. Mike Braun activated the Indiana National Guard and the Indiana State Police on Friday.The National Weather Service warned of frostbite and said temperatures could fall to -25 degrees in some places.

"Whenever we see these big ice events, we'll see various hazards; obviously bridges and overpasses being frozen over, and with trees and various different things that could fall into the roadways or potentially fall on houses," said Nicholas Price, an NWS meteorologist in Texas.Travel will also be severely affected with over 8,000 flights cancelled across the U.S. this weekend.

Reporters from across the NPR Network are covering the storm in each state — the impact and how officials are responding. We've also got tips for interpreting different weather notices, protecting your home or vehicle ahead of time, and for staying safe once the storm hits.

Some advice from past cold blasts:

• The kind of cold the U.S. is experiencing this weekend can be dangerous and even deadly. Here are some precautions to take if you have to go outside.
• Animals also are at risk when out in the cold for prolonged periods. Take extra care to keep them warm in the cold weather.