Severe weather threats persisted a day after stormy winds forced changes to Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, which moved up and shortened its two biggest parades.

The winter storm could impact up to 170 million people across more than 20 states from the southern Plains to the Midwest and East, AccuWeather said.

A massive storm system is tearing across the country bringing blizzard-like conditions in the Midwest and tornadoes and heavy rain in the South. Now, it's putting 39 million people at risk for damaging winds,