A massive winter storm is developing in the US and is forecast to bring dangerously cold temperatures and severe weather over the weekend.

BBC News says the National Weather Service has issued weather alerts in nearly every state, warning of blizzards and “large hail” to thunderstorms and tornadoes.

A wind advisory warning of gusts up to 50mph (80km/h) has also been issued from Texas to New York.

In parts of Texas, the NWS issued a wind chill watch through Saturday, as it warned of the threat of hypothermia and frostbite – it has predicted that wind chills there could drop to -32C.

Further north, record cold temperatures brought by frigid wind chills are predicted, with over a foot of snow forecast in some places like upper Michigan.

Up to 8 inches (20cm) of snow was forecast in Chicago, Illinois.

A VERY active weather pattern, and EVERY state in the US has an active NWS Watch, Warning, or Advisory. Check https://t.co/VyWINDk3xP or follow your local NWS office at https://t.co/GWrG0hTRHN for details in your area. pic.twitter.com/xeFm4KAZ2O

— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 12, 2024