The U.S. National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for the Dakotas as well as portions of Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska.
A foot of snow has already reported to be accumulated in some cities in North Dakota.
Wind gusts of 60 miles per hour (96 kph) prompted a no-travel advisory for major highways.
Blizzard conditions pelted Minnesota, leaving thousands without power and blanketing roads with ice and snow.
The massive storm system bringing snow to multiple states has been moving eastward.
The National Weather Service issued an ice storm warning Thursday in parts of four states and a winter storm warning through Friday night along the northern part of the U.S. East Coast, from Pennsylvania to Maine.
The weather service said heavy snowfall is expected across portions of interior New York and New England through the weekend with storm totals expected to reach one to two feet. (30.5-61 cm)