A winter storm was on a track to sweep through Texas and Louisiana, across the Gulf Coast and deep into Florida, significant snow and ice in tow.

A record-setting snowstorm along the Gulf Coast has Louisiana officials worried people unaccustomed to the cold might overreact in ways that could get them killed. Hence, a strange warning was issued during the storm: Don’t invite alligators, bears and other wildlife into your home.

Millions of people living along the Gulf Coast and into the Southeast are bracing for a rare, significant winter storm that’s expected to significantly impact travel and lead to power outages due to heavy snow and ice starting Monday evening. There may be the opportunity to use this in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies.