Around 33 million people are under winter alerts Saturday as Floridians brace for bitter cold and snow takes aim at the southern Appalachians and the Southeast

Forecasters said the storm was expected to rapidly intensify into a “bomb cyclone,” a term used when atmospheric pressure drops sharply in a short period of time. The strengthening system could bring hurricane-force winds, worsening conditions as snow continues to fall.

Residents of Southeast Texas should brace for the coldest weather of the year, with potential freezing rain and sleet over the weekend.