A historic winter storm is expected to bring rare heavy snowfall and ice to states along the Gulf Coast and could impact as many as 55 million people through midweek, according to national forecasts.

With last week's freeze being the second time temperatures dipped below freezing this winter, many are wondering if this active winter pattern is setting the stage for an even colder February.

Airports are readying for major disruptions in Texas, Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast before anticipated wintry blast.

HOUSTON - A rare winter storm churned across the US Gulf Coast on Jan 21, bringing heavy snow, ice and wind gusts to a region where flurries are unusual, while much of the United States remained in a dangerous deep freeze.

The amount of snow the Gulf Coast States received makes this weather system the worst winter storm in over 120 years. Before 120 years ago, record keeping was unreliable or not recorded at all.

A winter storm prompted a National Weather Service office in Louisiana to issue a first-ever blizzard warning. The storm is causing dangerous conditions from Texas to North Carolina.

Snow and sleet started falling in Texas as officials begin to close schools and airports. Snow and ice could bring major travel disruptions and power outages from Texas to Florida.

Large swaths of southeast Texas and Louisiana and parts of southern Mississippi are under an extreme cold warning after a day of snow. Now, snow, slush and ice left on the ground will refreeze.

Most of the United States is being assailed with extreme winter weather this week as Arctic air blasts south from Canada, snow tracks up the Northeast coast and a potentially crippling winter storm takes aim at the South.

Container shipping expert John McCown says imports at East and Gulf Coast ports were 3.9 percent below pandemic-era averages.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it will send personnel and equipment to areas along the U.S. border in response to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump.