US braced for blizzards and icy winds as Arctic front sweeps across country

Blast of frigid weather has already hammered Pacific north-west and could reach as far south as Florida by Friday

Much of the US is braced for a dangerous mix of sub-zero temperatures, howling winds and blizzard conditions expected to disrupt plans for millions of holiday travelers.

The blast of frigid weather began hammering the Pacific north-west on Tuesday morning and was expected to move to the northern Rockies, then grip the Plains in a deep-freeze and blanket the midwest with heavy snowfall, forecasters said. By Friday, the Arctic front is forecast to spread bone-chilling cold as far south as Florida.