America braces for potentially catastrophic winter storm

Airlines cancelled more than 3,300 flights Wednesday and they've already cancelled more than 3,400 Thursday.

The ice and powerful wind gusts robbed 350,000 homes and businesses of power in Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina, according to CBS News.

National Guard troops were stationed along major inter state roads in South Carolina, ready to respond to wrecks on dangerous snow-covered roads.

At least 140 accidents were reported statewide, and three people were killed though many snow-covered roads were deserted as drivers heeded warnings to steer clear of the roads. according to CBS.

Officials were also trying to keep smaller, secondary roads open to make way for power crews trying to restore electricity to at least 20,000 people in central South Carolina.

In North Carolina, light freezing rain was falling Wednesday evening in Raleigh and was expected to remain heavy through 2 a.m.