From Arizona to Maine to North Carolina, millions of Americans are not just bracing, but preparing for what could be a devastating winter storm.
More than 30 states could see at least 6 inches of snow and some ice from Winter Storm Fern. This storm could impact more than 230 million people starting on Friday.
Multiple states have already declared a state of emergency including: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and parts of southeast Oklahoma.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp authorized the call-up of 500 National Guard members and said crews will begin salting roads early Saturday morning.
(MORE:Full Forecast For Winter Storm Fern)
In Arkansas, the Department of Transportation started treating some roads with brine on Tuesday. The salt helps prevent ice from forming. Over 10 inches of snow was expected in parts of the state.
We're seeing similar preparations across the country, especially in the South, where ice accumulation could lead to widespread power outages. North Carolina's Department of Transportation shared a video on social media of crews mixing a "witches brew" of salt brine to pour onto roads.
(MORE:How To Save Heat During A Power Outage)
A statewide salt shortage has raised concerns in parts of Michigan. Officials in Monroe County say they've already used more salt than the last four Decembers combined.
Advertisement
While they don't think they will run out, they've stopped supplying salt to vendors and are keeping their supply for use by county crews.
Shoppers are emptying store shelves, stocking up on nonperishable foods to potentially ride out multiple days without electricity.
My own local supermarket north of Atlanta was jam-packed on Wednesday afternoon. Every shopping cart was taken as people grabbed bottled water, bread and more.
Shoppers are also hitting hardware and home supply stores. At an Ace Hardware in Atlanta, store manager Lewis Pane sold all 275 bags of ice-melting salt he had in stock on Wednesday.
In the Upstate of South Carolina, dozens of vendors ran out of propane early Wednesday afternoon.
(MORE:The Definitive Winter Storm Prep Guide)
College sports teams have moved up or postponed games, and the Texas Rangers canceled their annual Fan Fest event.
The city of Carmel, Indiana, canceled its Winter Games out of fear residents could get frostbite and hypothermia competing in the ice trike relay and "human curling" in which people slide down a skating rink on inner tubes.
This is a developing story, check back in frequently for updates. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
