Bitter cold spreads across much of the US as Texas and the South brace for rare winter storm01/21/2025(Associated Press) - Frigid temperatures engulfed Texas and other parts of the South ahead of a rare winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and disruptive ice accumulations to the region. The approaching storm sent residents scurrying Monday to insulate pipes, check heating systems and stock emergency kits. Meanwhile, people in the Northern Plains to the tip of Maine are experiencing bitterly cold temperatures as an Arctic air mass caused temperatures to plunge well below normal values with dangerously cold wind chills. Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and New England. Heavy lake-effect snow is expected in western New York state Monday through Wednesday morning.