The winter storm paralyzed the south of the USA, more than 110.000 people without electricity

The southern United States (US) continues to be affected by the winter storm that brought heavy snowfall and icy streets.

The number of power outages around Atlanta increased Friday night as forecasters warned of frequent freezing rain. More than 110.000 consumers remained without power, mostly in the Atlanta area.

The electric power company "Georgia Power" announced via social networks that additional freezing rain and fallen trees caused the power outage.

"Overnight conditions remain challenging with icy streets and wind, but as long as it is safe, we will work," the company said.

Georgia transit officials urged residents to stay off the roads until noon Saturday, as snow and ice are expected to continue in the Carolinas, Virginia and the Ohio and Tennessee valleys.

The storm brought heavy snow and slick roads to Texas and Oklahoma during the week before moving east. Arkansas and North Carolina mobilized National Guard troops to help stranded drivers, and governors in several states declared states of emergency.

Schools were canceled for millions of children from Texas to Georgia and as far south as South Carolina. In some cities, the storm brought more snow than the annual average. Parts of Arkansas received about 31 inches of snow, while Little Rock saw 25 inches, well above the annual average of 9,7 inches.

Memphis International Airport in Tennessee has seen more than 18 inches of snow since Thursday night, while the city typically gets 6,9 inches a year.

A wintry mix of sleet, snow and ice made travel dangerous in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. In South and North Carolina, sleet and snow turned to freezing rain.