Millions of Americans remain under cold weather alerts as another major winter storm threatens to hit parts of the United States later this week. As of Wednesday morning, snow and freezing temperatures stretch from the Midwest and Texas to the mid-Atlantic, with freeze warnings reaching as far south as the Gulf Coast and Florida.

Over 76 million people remain on alert for dangerously cold weather. Recent wind chills have made temperatures feel as low as minus 14 in Chicago, minus 11 in Cleveland, and even 34 degrees in Tampa. Last weekend's powerful winter storm, named Winter Storm Fern by The Weather Channel, already left a trail of destruction, with at least 51 deaths reported, including three children who drowned after falling through ice in Texas. The storm also caused widespread power outages—more than 100,000 customers are still without electricity in Tennessee and Mississippi, while Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas continue recovery efforts (The Weather Channel).

A deep low-pressure system over eastern Canada is funneling Arctic air into the Northeast and much of the country, resulting in wind chills below zero in many regions. Temperatures are forecast to remain 15 to 25 degrees below average for the rest of the week. Freeze warnings now extend into Florida, with Miami possibly dipping below 40 degrees for the first time in over a decade.

Another low-pressure system is expected to develop late this week along the Gulf Coast. This could bring rain and wintry precipitation to the Southeast by Friday and Saturday, with the risk of snow increasing from the Carolinas up to New England depending on the storm's track. Meteorologists say if the storm strengthens and moves northward quickly, it could turn into a nor'easter and deliver heavy snow and strong winds along the East Coast.

Forecasts indicate up to 80 record low temperatures could be reached nationwide between Friday and Monday. The National Weather Service warns that this period might become "the longest duration of cold in several decades." Confidence is growing that the Carolinas and southern Virginia will see wintry weather impacts this weekend, but there is still uncertainty for the Northeast.

As the nation prepares for the possibility of a second major storm in less than two weeks, authorities are urging residents to monitor updates, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautions against the extended cold, especially those still without power.

Armstrong & Getty