Several states in the nation's midsection already struggling to dig out from last week's massive winter storm have closed schools and warned residents to stay home as another blizzard moved in.

Heavy snow began falling late Tuesday in parts of Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma, where up to 10 more inches of snow and brutally cold temperatures were expected.

But the brunt of the latest storm was expected to hit western and central Arkansas, with 6 inches of snow anticipated. Arkansas is bracing for its fifth episode of severe winter weather in a month. The state often goes an entire winter without a major snow or ice storm.