Forecasters are warning of possibly significant ice accumulations in several mid-Atlantic states that could cause widespread power outages and disrupt travel.

A powerful winter storm is bringing heavy rain, snow, and dangerous ice accumulations across the U.S., disrupting travel, closing schools, and increasing power outage risks. Authorities urge caution as conditions worsen into next week.

Starting with an ice and snow storm Thursday, a series of winter systems is forecast to slam parts of the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with dangerous travel conditions through the middle of next week,

Forecasts anticipate that an ice storm will hit the Midwest and Northeast by mid-week, with at least six states expecting a high chance of impacts. Widespread freezing rain is expected to bring impacts from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic beginning on Wednesday.