Thousands of homes and businesses were without electricity Sunday morning in the Houston region, where residents awoke to cold, wet and in some cases icy conditions as a winter storm moved in.

As an Arctic blast barrels into Southeast Texas this weekend, Houston-area businesses and event organizers are announcing closures and cancellations due to the threat of freezing temperatures and potentially dangerous conditions.

Winter weather is disrupting flights nationwide. Houston Airports have crews ready as passengers face delays, cancellations, and changing travel plans.

The region is expected to briefly thaw Monday afternoon before another hard freeze at night. The National Weather Service forecasts more freezing weather this weekend.

The Houston area is bracing for a winter storm that could bring freezing temperatures and icy conditions to the region.

The storm, expected to be the most significant so far this winter season, will impact most of the nation east of the Rocky Mountains with snow and ice, and usher in some of the coldest temperatures seen in years,