Almost 33 million in US to face severe winter storms

Severe winter weather set to affect millions across the US will bring freezing temperatures and could impact travel plans this holiday season.

Almost 33 million people are under winter storm watches as an Arctic blast and major storm system descend on several parts of the country, Axios reports. An estimated 27 million Americans are also under windchill alerts.

Severe storms are also expected to hit much of the midwest and north-east region, according to Accuweather. Major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee are preparing for possible weather that is predicted to touch down on Thursday, with temperatures already dipping below freezing.

Over the past weekend, areas of the north-east also saw heavy snow, including New York, New England, Vermont and Maine. More than 5 million people were under winter weather alerts including winter storm warnings, reported CNN.

More than 200,000 homes and businesses in the impacted states experienced power outages on Saturday, including 28,900 homes and businesses in New York.

Southern states may also be affected by harsh winter weather, said the National Weather Service. Freezing temperatures were forecasted in Texas cities such as Austin and Houston.