The monster winter storm that New York City and the Tri-State Area have been bracing for is here, as heavy snow and sleet develop Sunday.

At least 15 people have died during the snowstorm and deep freeze in New York City and on Long Island, authorities said Tuesday.

More than a foot of snow has piled up across New York since Sunday morning as a massive winter storm hit New York. In some parts of the state, more snow is expected this week. Some spots could see as much as two feet by Tuesday evening, forecasters said.

The major winter storm blanketed dozens of US states over the weekend, impacting some 180 million people from the Southwest to New England.