A powerful winter storm system has triggered warnings across 5 states, with forecasts of up to 24 inches of snow in high elevations and wind gusts reaching 70 mph, posing serious risks for travel and safety.

The NWS advises motorists in affected areas to call 511 for the latest local road conditions before they set off.

UPDATED FORECAST: Winds up to 35 mph in forecast today. Updates on possible late-weekend storm. Twelve counties in northern and central New Jersey have been placed under winter weather advisories Tuesday afternoon because light freezing rain may develop this evening and overnight into early Wednesday morning.

On Monday, Feb. 2, and running through Wednesday, Feb. 4, the National Weather Service (NWS) continued to issue winter storm warnings for areas of the U.S. that haven't escaped winter's hold yet. Just when you thought spring was on the way,