A major storm spread heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across the southern United States on Wednesday, breaking snow records and treating the region to unaccustomed perils and wintertime joy. From Texas through the Deep South,

Record cold temperatures are expected through Thursday for two-thirds of the eastern part of the U.S., and wind chills could be as low as 40-55 degrees below zero in some areas.

Lingering frigid conditions could continue to disrupt the South in cities not accustomed to the deep freeze that has gripped much of the nation.