Swath of South faces wintry mess: Snow, sleet, freezing rain

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP) — A storm spreading snow, sleet and freezing rain across a wide swath of the South has millions of people in its path, raising the threat of immobilizing snowfalls, icy roads and power outages.

Governors and local officials in several states declared emergencies ahead of the storm crossing several Southern states.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said Saturday that residents in the some parts of the state should be ready for a lengthy fight with the storm, which began dumping snow and sleet over the southern Appalachians Saturday night.

"We're preparing for days of impact, not hours," Cooper said. "Stay safe where you are. Getting out on dangerous roads could put your life at risk."