The chances that East Texas will see some sort of winter precipitation Thursday and Friday are increasing, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

The National Weather Service says the area could see heavy mixed-precipitation with total snow accumulations between 2"-6" and ice accumulations up to 1/2".

Below are the maps of the impacted regions: Portions of northern and east Texas can be seen under a winter storm watch on Wednesday. (Photo from the National Weather Service) Portions of northern ...

TxDOT is pre-treating East Texas roads, including I-20, with a brine solution to combat potential ice. Drivers should stay cautious near bridges, ramps, and overpasses, as they freeze first. Stay updated on road conditions at DriveTexas.

According to the National Weather Service, snowfall ranging from two to five inches is possible in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. North Texas may see higher precipitation accumulations, while southern and Central Texas expect less. A mix of sleet and ice is also anticipated in Central Texas.

A polar vortex is slated to sweep most of the continental US bringing winter storm warnings and a hazardous freeze to millions.

A forecast map released on January 13 for the period of January 19 to January 23 indicates that much of the Lower 48 states will likely experience below-average temperatures, as a powerful cold front brings "a dangerously cold Arctic air mass" to areas east of the Rockies.

A blast of extreme cold is poised to descend on the central US this weekend before spreading to New York and the rest of the East Coast, testing power grids and threatening to break temperature records.

The National Weather Service Lake Charles shows an increasing probability for a cold snap and arctic air early next week.

Temperatures will plummet by up to 40 degrees this weekend as an arctic blast spreads across much of the U.S., including the Deep South.

Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) told Newsweek: "ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch from January 20-23 due to predicted extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves. Winter precipitation is also expected across parts of the state.