Residents across parts of the Gulf Coast and South are bracing for a rare winter storm expected to drop heavy snow and create treacherous conditions.

Winter storm warnings remained in effect on Wednesday in eight states from Louisiana to Virginia. A blizzard warning was issued for the first time along parts of Louisiana's coast. Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain were expected to continue Wednesday from Florida to North Carolina.

Weather forecasters and public agencies issued health and power loss warnings Tuesday as a “rare winter storm" gripped parts of the southern and eastern United States."A bitterly cold airmass will remain in place for much of the South and eastern U.

People in Texas and much of the U.S. South are facing record snowfalls and icy conditions, with both New Orleans and Houston covered in snow. The big picture: This once-in-a-generation event for millions across the Gulf Coast has closed schools,

A winter storm sweeping through the U.S. South on Tuesday was dumping snow at levels millions of residents haven’t seen before