Simple steps like allowing faucets to drip and covering outdoor pipes can save you from expensive repairs during this prolonged cold front.

North Texas is preparing for a hard freeze after storms brought heavy rain and hail overnight Tuesday. Up to two inches of rain fell in parts of DFW Wednesday morning, causing flash flooding and a messy morning commute.

According to the National Weather Service, these were the five coldest days in North Texas. A severe arctic blast affected much of the country during the first half of February in 1899. Temperatures fell below zero in every state. A century later, records from that coldest day remain unchallenged.