NORTH TEXAS – North Texas is bracing for a mix of snow and sleet. A winter storm warning went into effect Thursday morning and continues until 12 p.m. Friday. The warning includes Denton, Collin, Dallas and Tarrant counties.

At least 148 counties in Texas are under either a freezing rain or heavy snow forecast this Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. As of Jan. 9, the NWS’ forecast map places much of North and Central Texas under freezing conditions as Dallas-Fort Worth braces for a possible 2 to 5 inches of snow this week,

Texas is preparing for severe winter weather. An area stretching from Texas to Tennessee braced Wednesday for the possible arrival of freezing rain and snow even as some other parts of the U.S. hit by the plunging polar vortex this week began to shake off its icy effects.

Storm Blair has hit most of the U.S., bringing freezing temperatures to Texas. Precipitation later this week could mean snow for some areas.