AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Old Man Winter made a strong appearance Monday throughout the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, as well as Eastern New Mexico.

The snow and ice has created havoc, causing several wrecks and motorists to be stranded in the region. In Curry County, four people were killed in a two-vehicle collision Monday afternoon.

Texas Governor Rick Perry activated the National Guard to portions of the Texas Panhandle Monday. Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Gabe Medrano told Pronews 75-100 motorists were trapped near Vega on Interstate 40. Troops were able to assist the stranded motorists, he said. Interstate 40 remains closed in the area.

Click here for more road closures. 

Amarillo City Officials activated the Emergency Operations Center Monday for a period of 24 hours. The purpose of this center is to coordinate operational responses from emergency services in the metro area.

Morning commutes throughout the Panhandle may take longer than anticipated. TxDOT officials are advising residents to allow ample time. Pronews 7 crew reports the roads remain slick throughout the metro. Amarillo Police reported more than 40 wrecks since 4 p.m. Monday.

In the Oklahoma Panhandle, residents are reporting more than a foot of snow in some places. All highways were closed in Texas County overnight, Guymon Police Chief Eddie Adamson said. The American Red Cross opened a shelter in the city at Victory Memorial United Methodist Church.

Several schools throughout the region are experiencing closures and delayed starts. Click here for a comprehensive list. 

Pronews 7 Team Coverage