A polar vortex is slated to sweep most of the continental United States bringing a hazardous freeze to millions of Americans from the Deep South to the Northeast Saturday going into next week.

The snow is likely to fall on Sunday from the Appalachians to New England. New York City may see its largest snowfall in years.

The region is expecting a winter storm Sunday afternoon, with snow totals hitting up to 8 inches in parts of New Jersey. Winter storm warnings and advisories go into effect at 1 p.m. Sunday and last through 4 a.