Snow, freezing rain and rain are underway in the southern Plains as a potent winter storm strengthens Thursday.

Snow and icy conditions threatened to paralyze parts of the U.S. South from Texas to Alabama on Thursday, as officials closed schools, canceled or delayed flights and warned residents in some of the worst-hit areas to stay off roads as a winter storm moves east.

A low-pressure system is moving across the country, delivering rain, snow, and ice to much of the southeast. This same system will be making its way along the east coast early this weekend, bringing a chance for accumulating snow to the tri-state.

Brutal cold will open the door for a winter storm to take a somewhat unusual track through the South and create treacherous conditions.

A winter storm is moving across the southeastern portion of the U.S., bringing snow, sleet and other cold-weather conditions to a part of the nation not accustomed to coping with blustery temperatures.