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.

Heavy snow and freezing temperatures are hitting parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast, causing travel disruptions and prompting a number of Southern governors to declare states of emergency. Winter weather — including low temperatures and storms — involves a number of risks,

Precip may start as rain, but as temps fall to the freezing mark after sunset Monday, a transition to freezing rain and sleet is expected.