After taking December off, Old Man Winter finally showed up. A winter storm sweeping across the eastern United States has brought freezing temperatures and heavy snow to some areas.

From the Great Lakes to New England, all the way to the Deep South, many Americans were waking up to freezing temperatures, sliding cars and stranded vehicles.

"We've been very spoiled. It's been nice, so hopefully it'll be short-lived. Get the cold temperatures out of the way and get back to warm weather," North Carolina resident Brent Barry said.

The arctic blast is making it tough for drivers returning from their holiday vacations and those heading to work on Tuesday.

The snow and ice made highways around Chicago treacherous. In Kentucky, there was a 30-car pile up on I-75 just south of Cincinnati. In Indiana, state police were working 50 crashes caused by slick road conditions that ended up closing sections of Interstates 70, 465 and 65. 

For the latest conditions, visit the National Weather Service online.

Frozen Butterflies

In Coconut Creek, Fla., they're trying to save butterflies from the cold. Workers at Butterfly World brought thousands of butterflies indoors.

"If it gets below freezing, they freeze like little ice cubes," explained Chad Barb, Butterfly World laboratory manager.

But for vacationers at a ski resort in Tennessee, the fun has finally begun.

"We got the word there is going to be snow and we can't wait!" one vacationer exclaimed.

The people who shovel the white stuff -- snow plow contractors -- are pretty happy about the weather too.

"It's going to be less, taking a hit this year unless it keeps snowing until April or something," said Brandon Molle, a snow plow contractor.

If you live in the East and you hate the snow and cold, go West. They're enjoying unusually warm temperatures in California.

"It's a perfect day to go for a bike ride," said California resident Traci Britton.