Winter storms closed schools, snarled flights and put millions of residents on alert across parts of the Deep South and south-central United States.

Atlanta is bracing for freezing conditions and icy roads as temperatures drop and wintry weather continues to affect the region. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you need to know:

The winter storm that knocked out power and brought plunging temperatures to other parts of the country moves into metro Atlanta and north Georgia this weekend, and state officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.