An arctic air mass sprawling across the eastern, central and parts of the western U.S. on Monday will channel temperatures 20-30 degrees below already historically cold January averages and was poised to slam parts of the South with a disruptive winter storm.

Preparations are underway from Houston to Atlanta as a rare winter storm sets its sights on the southern U.S., where it's expected to bring a messy mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain that could have a major impact on travel and daily life.

On Monday at 4:05 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning valid from Tuesday 6 a.m. until Wednesday 6 a.m. for Marengo, Dallas, Lowndes, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock, Russell, Pike and Barbour counties.

A number of school systems have already announced closures for Tuesday and Wednesday. [TAP OR CLICK TO VIEW FULL SCHOOL CLOSINGS LIST] We will update this l

As a rare winter storm approaches southeast Louisiana, schools and government offices began to announce closures.*All parents and students are urged to check with your specific school for guidance.All Louisiana state offices will be closed on Tuesday (Jan.