Dangerous below-freezing temperatures with even colder wind chills were also expected to last over much of the week in the region. Authorities say three people have died in the cold weather.

The powerful storm, fueled by a whirling mass of cold air that usually extends across the Arctic, was expected to leave much of the South in the low-teens or single-digit degrees.

A major winter storm that slammed Texas and blanketed the northern Gulf Coast with record-breaking snow moved east Wednesday, spreading heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across parts of the Florida Panhandle, Georgia and eastern Carolinas. At least four weather-related deaths have been reported.

Snow on North Carolina beaches, rarer than a blue moon, was prevalent along a great majority of the 301 miles of coastline Wednesday morning.

Sunset Beach, near the South Carolina line, decided at 9:40 p.m. to close the only bridge to the Brunswick County island.

The N.C. Department of Transportation held a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss preparation for expected winter weather in the area.

Impacts will begin in east Texas by Monday night. Ice and snow could contribute to power outages amid freezing temperatures.

FEMA will extend temporary shelter assistance to North Carolina residents impacted by Hurricane Helene as winter storms sweep across the state.

New Orleans — A major winter storm that slammed Texas and blanketed the northern Gulf Coast with record-breaking snow moved east Wednesday, spreading heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across parts of the Florida Panhandle, Georgia and eastern Carolinas.

It’s been a while since the North Carolina coast saw significant snowfall, but a storm moving through the state Tuesday night, Jan. 21, is expected to bring up to 8 inches in some places. Snow started flying in some beach towns after 6 p.m. If you’ve ever wanted to see it snow at the beach, check out some of these webcams for a live view.

An unusual winter storm has blanketed Houston and much of Southeast Texas in a fresh coat of snow and sleet. How long will it be until roads are safe?