As the winter storm rages, here's what to know in your state

"catastrophic ice accumulations are expected from the Southern Plains to the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic."

"Whenever we see these big ice events, we'll see various hazards; obviously bridges and overpasses being frozen over, and with trees and various different things that could fall into the roadways or potentially fall on houses,"

"However, when it comes to winter weather, we are not as familiar. So, as we head into this weekend, I am urging my fellow Alabamians, especially in the northern part of our state, to stay weather aware."

A powerful winter storm is moving across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, producing heavy snow, freezing rain, and bitterly cold temperatures from New Mexico to New England. More than 30 states were under National Weather Service watches, warnings, or advisories. Forecasters warned of catastrophic ice accumulations from the Southern Plains to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, creating hazards such as frozen bridges, fallen trees, blocked roadways, and potential damage to houses. Travel disruptions include over 8,000 canceled flights nationwide. Multiple states declared emergencies. Precautions were advised for people, vehicles, homes, and animals to reduce risk during prolonged cold and ice.

Read at www.npr.org