Around 40 million people in the U.S. are under a winter storm warning from an unusual blast of severe cold weather and snow across the South.

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.

BEAUMONT, Texas — Southeast Texas' industrial facilities are gradually returning to normal operations following the recent winter storm. Most of the 22 plants that shut down during the storm on Tuesday are now restarting their operations, with some expected accompanying noise and flaring, according to Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick.