The East Coast is experiencing the early stages of what could be a whiplash-inducing stretch of winter weather.

Many states across the central and eastern United States face wild weather this week, including an atmospheric river and temperature swings. See how in seven maps.

Parts of the U.S. East Coast and Atlantic Canada are preparing for the impact of an atmospheric river, a weather phenomenon that is more commonly associated with the West Coast.

Places like western Maine could see freezing rain, downpours, unseasonably high temperatures and damaging winds — all in the span of a day.

Flood watches were in effect in Vermont, where the capital city of Montpelier, hard hit in past floods, advised residents to elevate items in basements and low areas that are prone to flooding. And in Rhode Island, heavy surf and flooding closed several roads in Newport.

The words "bomb" and "cyclone" are bad enough on their own. What does it mean when they're used to describe a storm?

A wind and rain storm increasing in intensity throughout the day could cause flooding and power outages in Maine.

The storm is bringing heavy rain and fierce winds to many areas until Wednesday night, and flooding is possible in some places. Utilities geared up for potential power outages from damage caused by winds that may exceed 60 mph in areas.