At least nine states from Georgia to Delaware are under snow and ice alerts as a winter storm moves east -- with brutal, record-breaking cold temperatures in the Midwest and Central U.S. in the wake of the storm.

The latest in a repeated pattern of winter storms is taking direct aim at the East Coast where heavy snow and some ice is forecast in several states.

Winter storm warnings are in place for 10 states from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Thursday, with up to 30 inches of snowfall expected in some parts of the U.S. Freezing temperatures may present health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults.

A powerful winter storm that dumped heavy snow on communities from the Plains to the Tennessee Valley is continuing on its journey across the U.S. toward the East Coast where more winter weather, including ice,