Much of the U.S. is bracing for more extreme winter weather over the next week. Jay Bonafede, communications director for the American Red Cross, spoke to Yahoo about how people should prepare for extreme winter weather.

KENTUCKY, USA — A large winter storm is bringing snow to Kentucky and southern Indiana. The National Weather Service in Louisville has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the area from 1 a.m. on Saturday to Monday at 7 a.m.

Live coverage throughout the ice storm in South Carolina.

This index, from NOAA's National Weather Service, attempts to scale the impacts from winter weather, taking into account factors such as snowfall, accumulated snow on rooftops, ice accumulation, the potential for a flash freeze, and blowing snow. Not all factors are in play in a given winter storm.

NEXT Weather Meteorologist Orelon Sidney breaks down what’s headed for Georgia this weekend as a powerful system brings snow, ice, and bitter cold. Find out what to expect, which areas face the greatest risks,