Photos: Texans face an ice storm that's left millions of people without power

A blast of arctic air swept through Texas, bringing with it ice, snow and record-low temperatures that haven't been felt in decades. Unprecedented in scope — all 254 counties in the state have been affected by the bitter cold — millions have been without electricity. Icy roads have also contributed to widespread closures, and cities have opened emergency shelters to help people cope with the dangerous temperatures. Texas Tribune photographers around the state headed out to record this winter storm. Here's some of what they saw.

A sign in south Austin warns about freezing conditions in the area. The severe snow storm blanketed roads and dropped temperatures into the single digits across various parts of Austin and Texas. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune

Houstonians went out to Hermann Park to enjoy the snowfall in the city. Houston was covered in snow after a rare winter storm passed through the state. Credit: Mark Felix/The Texas Tribune

Snow and icicles gathered on various items throughout Houston. The city was covered in snow after a winter storm rolled through Houston and the state. Credit: Mark Felix for The Texas Tribune

First: A house painted with cacti is covered in snow and ice in El Paso. Last: Logan Williams sleds down a hill at Memorial Park in El Paso. Credit: Justin Hamel for The Texas Tribune

Cars slid on icy roads and people pushed stuck vehicles out of snow after a winter storm rolled through the Austin area. Temperatures are expected to remain cold until the end of the week. Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune