DALLAS: More than 9,000 flights across the US set to take off over the weekend have been canceled as a major storm expected to wreak havoc across much of the country threatens to knock out power for days and snarl major roadways. Roughly 140 million people were under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England. The National Weather Service forecast warns of widespread heavy snow and a band of catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina. Forecasters say damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane.

Officials, including airport authorities in several major cities, are warning travelers to brace for significant delays amid the severe winter weather.

U.S. airlines canceled flights and waived change fees for travelers as a cold snap and massive winter storm were forecast to sweep across the country.