Cold air has now moved though Texas, bringing chilly temperatures from Amarillo to Midland and east to Beaumont and to be followed later in the week by an even colder snap.

The arctic blast brought snow to Amarillo on Saturday but was only getting started as snow is expected to move as far south as the Houston area, which could see up to a few inches of snow mixed with freezing rain and sleet.

High winds have been a problem in some areas, where prevailing speeds have been 20 miles an hour.

Dallas-Ft. Worth, which often sees snow in these kinds of storms, is not expecting a big snowfall, and snow may be a no-show.

The Texas Department of Transportation has had crews out Saturday and on previous days in preparation for this arctic blast, according to spokeswoman Raquel Lewis.

The weather is "creating a very, very challenging situation for motorists and for drivers," she said Saturday.

"Avoid any and all unnecessary travel and we are encouraging everyone to be mindful of being in place, be prepared to stay in place for what may come..."

The biggest danger on the roads could be for those who attempt to get around on Wednesday after a mix of snow, sleet and wind with freezing rain on Tuesday night. Driving around on Wednesday could be hazardous.

Officials have said if the ground temperatures don't heat up above freezing on Wednesday, then the ice won't melt and driving will again be hazardous on Wednesday night and into Thursday, which is when ice on the roads is expected to thaw, although bridges and overpasses may have to be inspected in some areas because they normally accumulate with caked ice.

As below-zero temperatures permeate Texas, the biggest concerns should be for those who are outdoors for prolonged periods and could be exposed to hypothermia (a life-threatening lack of warmth) and frostbite (freezing of skin and other tissues).

Because of the risk of such physical dangers, Texas officials have been calling for most people to stay at home as much as they can on Monday and Tuesday and even Wednesday and part of Thursday for those is the southern portions of the state where ice can linger on roads.

San Antonio's CPS, Austin Energy, Oncor, Entergy Texas and CenterPoint have all said there will be enough electricity available to get through this Winter storm, and the state's grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has said the same.

Jimmy Barrett