Watch massive winter storm from space

Thousands of flights have been cancelled and store shelves left empty as millions of Americans on the US east coast brace for a mammoth weekend storm packed with blizzards, gale-force winds, white-out conditions, and expected flooding.

At least 1,000 United Kingdom passengers were left frustrated after Storm Jonas swept across the Eastern U.S., burying major cities including NY and Washington, D.C. A winter storm advisory is in effect for the area from Thursday night through Saturday evening, and North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has declared a state of emergency ahead of the frigid weather.

Powerful Winter Storm Jonas has brought more than two feet of snow, powerful winds and record coastal flooding to parts of the East. Here are some of the best weather images that capture the strength of this nor’easter.

And the Red Birds’ loyal fans are having flights to Charlotte canceled in the wake of the storm.

Unlike hurricanes, winter storms don’t technically get named.

One of NASA’s newest Earth observation satellites, the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite, which launched in 2014, has been regularly monitoring the amount of rainfall from the winter storm.

Other spots – such as Philadelphia or New York City – may also yet fall into blizzard territory. Keep visiting this link for a downloadable spreadsheet with the latest information related to your county, city or town.

Weather.com reports snow is falling at a rate of one to three inches per hour from Washington D.C.to New York City.

Early on January 21, the NWS hazards web page showed a winter storm watch stretching from the Tennessee valley into the interior Carolinas and up into the Central Appalachians/Mid-Atlantic region.

Treacherous driving and whiteout conditions are widespread causing numerous auto accidents.

HollywoodLifers, have you been hit by Winter Storm Jonas? Gusts could be as strong as 31 miles per hour.

Keep a close eye on the weather forecast at both your departure and arrival airports, and be aware that changing your flight early is likely to be much easier than trying to change it last-minute.