A historic winter storm swept across the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, bringing heavy snow and icy conditions to the Southeast, while most of the country faced dangerously cold temperatures from an arctic blast that arrived over the weekend.

Winter storm warnings remained in effect on Wednesday in eight states from Louisiana to Virginia. A blizzard warning was issued for the first time along parts of Louisiana’s coast. Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain were expected to continue Wednesday from Florida to North Carolina.

According to CNN, at least nine fatalities have been reported as a result of the storm and extreme cold. Five people died in a crash due to icy road conditions in Zavala County, Texas, authorities said.