A once-in-a-generation snowstorm, tied to the polar vortex event across the Lower 48 states, was plastering the Gulf Coast with record-setting snow and ice on Tuesday.Why it matters: This region isn't equipped to cope with heavy snow,

The first-ever blizzard warnings were issued near the Texas-Louisiana border Tuesday as Winter Storm Enzo blew through, bringing an estimated five inches of snow to areas in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

A winter storm that is expected to begin in Texas next week could end up bringing snow and ice to parts of Florida, but the forecast is far from a lock.