LAFAYETTE, La. − The South is being targeted by a major winter storm, most of the nation remains gripped by brutal cold, and high winds threaten to fan the flames of killer blazes in Southern California on Tuesday as the U.

Snow was falling in New Orleans, where as much as 8 inches were expected to accumulate by the end of the day, threatening to tie a record set in 1895.

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.