A major winter storm slammed the US Gulf Coast Tuesday, blanketing parts of a region largely unaccustomed to extreme winter weather with record-breaking snowfall.

It's something very weird and nuanced going on right now,’ says one expert about the potential reasons for the snow blanketing much of the southern U.S.

A winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 3:11 a.m. EST in effect until 7 p.m. EST for Kalamazoo County.

An updated cold weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 3:17 a.m. in effect until 10 a.m. for Berkshire County.

On Thursday at 2:41 a.m. a winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 10 p.m. until Saturday 1 a.m. for Oswego County.

Learn about the dangers of keeping dogs outside in cold weather and essential tips to keep them safe and comfortable during winter.

What to Know As extreme winter weather and low temperatures threaten much of the country in the upcoming days, it is important to make sure family, friends and neighbors are safe. This concern should also extend to our four-legged,