An area stretching from Texas to Tennessee is bracing for an expected snowstorm even as some other parts of the U.S. hit by the plunging polar vortex this week are beginning to shake off its icy effects.

Storm Blair has hit most of the U.S., bringing freezing temperatures to Texas. Precipitation later this week could mean snow for some areas.

Our chilly weather could bring freezing rain and snow to parts of the Hill Country and I-35 corridor, local forecasters say. Why it matters: A polar vortex hauling arctic air from Canada down across the U.