Utility companies and state officials are preparing for a forecasted ice storm that could bring down power lines and cause widespread outages

Those with expertise on weather emergencies are urging Arkansans to avoid driving as a major winter storm moves in.

Millions of Americans across the South are forecast to be slammed by ice storms in the coming days as crippling ice accretion threatens widespread power outages, major transportation disruptions, falling trees and downed power lines.

Heavy, accumulating snow or layers of ice can weigh down power lines, causing outages in a winter storm. Falling branches can also land on lines, causing power disruption.

Ice accumulation poses the biggest threat to electric service this weekend. Even small amounts of buildup can drag down branches and power lines. As a massive winter storm approaches, electric companies such as Oncor and Rayburn Electric Cooperative say they are deploying equipment ahead of potential power outages caused by ice accumulation.

With a winter storm just days away, towns and cities across the Capital Region are already preparing getting equipment ready and bracing for long hours to keep