Millions brace for major winter storm as ice and snow threaten U.S.

Residents in more than two dozen states are preparing for a powerful winter storm expected to bring dangerous ice, heavy snow, and extreme cold across a wide swath of the country.

(CNN)- Residents in more than two dozen states are preparing for a powerful winter storm expected to bring dangerous ice, heavy snow, and extreme cold across a wide swath of the country.

“Don’t ever wait until the last minute, because supplies run out,” said Craig Anderson, general manager of Blackhawk Hardware.

Hardware stores are already seeing shortages as people rush to prepare.

“It’s getting pretty desperate out there. I guess everybody’s running out of stuff,” said Tom Marks, manager at Cantelmi Hardware.

That includes critical storm supplies.

The storm’s impact zone could stretch more than 1,500 miles — from the Plains across the South and into the Northeast. More than 90 million people in parts of 23 states are already under winter storm watches.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says it’s never too early to prepare.

“No, never too soon to worry about the weather,” Kemp said.

Governors across multiple states are mobilizing resources, while airlines and airports are also getting ready. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, crews are preparing for possible winter conditions.

“Our snow team — we’re doing a lot of preparation,” said airport general manager Ricky Smith.

Ice is expected to be a major concern for southern states, making roads dangerous and increasing the risk of extended power outages. North and South Carolina have already declared states of emergency.

Farther north, heavy snow — up to a foot in some areas — is expected beyond the storm’s freezing rain zone.

The Arctic blast will also bring dangerously cold temperatures, with the potential to break daily high and low temperature records.