ARLINGTON, Va. − Two powerful weather systems were careening across the nation Tuesday, threatening to dump up to a foot of snow in some areas while snarling traffic, clogging roadways, shuttering schools and shutting down government offices.

Three storm systems are expected to sweep across the country, bringing snow, sleet and freezing rain to places that have been pummeled by recent bouts of wintry weather.

At least 26 states are under alerts for snow, ice and flooding as three winter storms cross the country over the next few days. The first storm is moving into the

Two snow and ice storms threatened to roll across the Midwest and East this week. And a third storm could be lurking for next weekend.

Tuesday begins with a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow before settling to a mix of rain and freezing rain through Wednesday. Significant icing is possible in the mountains, creating poor travel and major power outages.