Kansas and Missouri are at the center of the storm's path.

Kansas and Missouri are among the areas facing the brunt of the storm, with more than 10 inches (25 cm) of snow already recorded in some areas by Sunday afternoon.

The winter weather led to the closure of all highways in northeastern Kansas and the cancellation of thousands of flights from Kansas City airport, just across the border in Missouri.

Kansas City official Brian Platt described the storm as "one of the most historic" the city has ever experienced.

"We haven’t seen more than 10 inches in 32 years," he said.