ARLINGTON, Va. − A wall of snow, ice and rain was sweeping across the Northeast on Thursday, the first in a series of storms forecast to wallop much of the nation's northern tier over the next several days.

A significant winter storm is currently sweeping in from the Midwest to the Northeast, bringing a complex mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain.

Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain are likely for some regions, as forecasters say “significant” ice accumulation could impact travel.

A winter storm is expected to bring sleet and freezing rain to the Midwest and Northeast, potentially causing treacherous travel conditions and power outages for millions.

A winter storm covered the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States with snow and ice on Feb. 5-6 prompting school closures across the regions. Sightings of lightning and thunder snow have also been reported.