North Carolinians should pay close attention to their local weather forecast, make sure they are prepared with what they need at home before Friday afternoon, and stay home if possible as ice on the roadways will likely create dangerous driving conditions.

A winter storm watch has been issued for much of North Carolina, including the Charlotte area, as the state prepares for snow later this week. The watch will go into effect in most counties on Friday morning and will last through Saturday morning.

Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina in anticipation of severe winter weather.

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for the state of Georgia as a winter storm is expected to impact the state Friday. This state of emergency is effective immediately and lasts through Tuesday,

Much of north Georgia is under a winter storm warning from Friday morning until Saturday. The far northern part of the state can expect between two and four inches of accumulation, according to the National Weather Service.

Ahead of what is expected to be days of weather with below-freezing temperatures, Georgia Power released a set of recommendations to prepare for the winter weather.

Georgia and South Carolina state agencies are preparing for potentially severe ice and snow as part of a winter storm that could arrive in Georgia on Friday.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced on Wednesday that some state offices are closing in wake of winter weather forecasts. Here's where, when, and why.