HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- As most of southeast Texas braces for a historic winter storm, many Houston businesses and services are closed on Tuesday. READ MORE: Winter Storm Warning starts Monday, dangerous travel through at least Wednesday a.m.

A rare, historic snowfall blanketed parts of the southern U.S. on Tuesday, allowing residents to play in the rather unusual weather. Families went snow tubing in Houston. People made snowballs and snow angels. People were even seen skiing on Bourbon Street.

A major storm spread heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across the southern United States on Wednesday, breaking snow records and treating the region to unaccustomed perils and wintertime joy.

Houston's two main airports remained closed for winter weather on Tuesday, leading to hundreds of canceled flights. George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby closed at midnight Tuesday. United Airlines and Southwest Airlines both have major operations in Houston.

After temporarily suspending flights, the Houston Airport System resumed operations Wednesday morning. Officials made the announcement Tuesday afternoon following significant snowfall overnight in Houston.

The winter weather forced cancellations of flights into and out of both Houston airports. However, that's now over.

Hobby Airport reopened Wednesday after being shut down Tuesday due to snow and sleet in Houston. Houston received three to five inches of snow on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Officials at IAH and Hobby said Tuesday morning that teams remained on site to prepare for when they can return to service.