A winter storm was sweeping across a large portion of the US on Thursday, bringing snow, ice and rain to several states in the Midwest and Northeast.

The ingredients needed to create blockbuster Northeast winter storms historically align this month, all that’s needed is a storm to take the right track.

Storm Freya, three more storms are in the forecast through late next week, some of which will hit similar parts of the Northeast, Midwest and Plains. Here's what you need to know.