Winter storms threaten millions and experts outline how to keep kids safe

A winter system bringing freezing temperatures, snow and ice is expected to spread across large parts of the U.S. this week, and medical experts warn that infants and young children lose heat more quickly and can develop hypothermia or frostbite.

Millions of Americans are facing freezing cold, rain, snow and icy conditions as a winter system moves across the country this week. In the South, more than 70 million people are under a winter storm watch from Texas and Arkansas to Alabama and Tennessee. Forecasts indicate snow developing in the Plains by Friday and the system reaching the East Coast by Sunday. Medical contributors noted that infants and young children are more susceptible to cold-related injuries because they lose heat more rapidly. Key facts: - More than 70 million people in the South are under a winter storm watch, and the system is expected to move east and reach the East Coast by Sunday. - Children, especially infants and toddlers, have a higher body surface-to-mass ratio and tend to lose heat faster, which increases risk for cold-related injuries, according to Dr. Alok Patel. - Hypothermia signs listed by the CDC include shivering, drowsiness, confusion, fumbling hands and slurred speech; babies may show bright red or cold skin and low energy. - Frostbite symptoms can include redness or skin pain, white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels firm or waxy, and numbness, and can develop within minutes in extreme cold, per the CDC and Patel. - The American Academy of Pediatrics warned that bulky coats or blankets under car-seat straps can cause a loose fit and described placing lighter layers under straps with extra covering placed over them as an alternative. Summary: Experts say young children are at elevated risk during very cold conditions because they lose body heat more quickly, and cold-related injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite can develop in a short time. The winter system is expected to bring snow to the Plains by Friday and reach the East Coast by Sunday, so officials are monitoring conditions as they evolve. Undetermined at this time.