Blizzard 2016: Winter storm affects millions - CNN.com

People in Washington bundled up and hunkered down Friday to endure a winter storm that has "life and death implications."

The nation's capital was the first major urban center to feel the wrath of a monster storm that lashed the South and Mid-Atlantic and then barreled north. More than 85 million people are in its path, about 30 million of whom are under blizzard warnings.

The snow arrived in Washington on Friday afternoon, with 2½ feet possible by the time the last flakes fall Saturday night, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser. Many federal, state and local offices closed early in preparation for the storm.

"It has life and death implications, and (people) should treat it that way," Bowser warned Washington residents. "People should hunker down, shelter in place and stay off the roads."

Washington's 10 biggest blizzards

Baltimore may get 18-21 inches, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said, making motor travel "hazardous if not impossible."

The snow will be accompanied by sustained winds of up to 30 mph and gusts of 10 or more mph stronger. Gusts could hit 65 mph between 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday in Maryland, the National Weather Service warned.

Meteorologists warned the public to take heed.

"This is not a near miss," CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said. "This is a direct hit."

Tennessee and North Carolina got hit first early Friday, with snow covering the ground in cities like Asheville, Charlotte and Greensboro. Almost 72,000 customers have lost power, mostly in the Carolinas.

Follow the storm on CNN's interactive storm tracker