Around 40 million people in the U.S. are under a winter storm warning from an unusual blast of severe cold weather and snow across the South.

BEAUMONT, Texas — Southeast Texas' industrial facilities are gradually returning to normal operations following the recent winter storm. Most of the 22 plants that shut down during the storm on Tuesday are now restarting their operations, with some expected accompanying noise and flaring, according to Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick.

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.