A rare Southern storm that smashed snow records from New Orleans to Pensacola was rolling out to sea Wednesday after encasing in ice and snow a region not targeted by such a severe wintry assault in generations − and leaving death and disruption in its wake.

A historic Gulf Coast winter storm brings blizzard conditions, power outages and travel chaos to a region unprepared for snow and ice.

What is being called a once-in-a-generation winter storm hitting the south has killed at least nine people. CNN reported that two people died in Austin, Texas, and are being investigated as to whether it was due to the cold weather. One person died in Georgia from hypothermia, officials said, according to WSB.