Debbie Elliott

Well, you know, much like we see before a hurricane strikes, governors are making emergency declarations.

That's already happened in more than a half dozen states.

You know, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia so far.

That will free up resources so they can prepare to respond.

For instance, moving power crews into position, pre-treating roads and highways, getting supplies like food and water in the right places, and putting out the snow plows and things like that.

Also, they've called up National Guard troops to be ready to respond.

Ice is really what the authorities in the South are most concerned about, because not only is it going to hamper driving, it will knock out power and leave people without electricity in the bitter cold days that are going to persist after this precipitation moves out.

Here's what Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry had to say.

You know, well, based on the images I'm seeing of empty store shelves, it does look like people have been getting ready and stocking up for the cold days ahead.

One store in Atlanta, for instance, sold out of ice melting salt.

And folks in Louisiana are saying they're having a hard time finding propane, you know, the tanks that you use for a gas grill or to

put under a big pot of gumbo.

In Kentucky, Justin Hicks at Louisville Public Media stopped by Keith's Hardware Store to see how residents there were getting ready.

Here's what Robert Tolbane was bracing for.

So he's got his new snow shovel and says he does have plenty of food and water at home to weather this winter storm.

You know, Chicago schools canceled classes today.

That also happened in Milwaukee and in parts of Tennessee.

And the storm is disrupting air travel at some of the busiest airports in the country.

Several airlines, including Delta and American, are issuing travel advisories, and some flights have already been canceled.

You're welcome.