A winter storm was sweeping across a large portion of the US on Thursday, bringing snow, ice and rain to several states in the Midwest and Northeast.

Just as the Midwest and Northeast grapple with an ongoing winter storm, an even stronger one is on its way this weekend. Freezing rain is again a concern for many areas, but the major difference will be significantly heavier snowfall.

Storm Freya, three more storms are in the forecast through late next week, some of which will hit similar parts of the Northeast, Midwest and Plains. Here's what you need to know.