Friday's forecast: Monster storm in the East

The main weather stories Friday will be the blizzard that's roaring off the New England coast and the bitterly cold air that's funneling in behind the storm.

The fast-moving winter storm will bring snow to eastern sections of New England Friday morning before heading out to sea. High winds will lead to blowing and drifting snow across the region.

Unusually cold air will spread over almost the entire eastern half of the country.

Elsewhere, another winter storm will spread snow, freezing rain, and rain to the north-central states and in the northern Rockies.

The Southwest will remain calm, dry and mild.

Weather history for Jan. 3: In 1949, a tornado ripped through Arkansas, killing 57 people. In 1971, the temperature soared to 96 degrees in Cotullla, Texas.

In 2010, the second day of a two-day snowstorm dumped almost three feet of snow on Burlington, Vt.