As Winter Storm Jonas makes its approach towards the East Coast, it brings the threat of ice, high winds, flooding and more than 1 foot of snow. A state of emergency has been issued in North Carolina and in Tennessee in preparation for the storm.

Winter storm warnings are in effect from the Carolinas to the Appalachians and into the Tennessee Valley and lower Mississippi Valley. In extreme northwest North Carolina, residents can expect at least 1 foot of snow, while areas just east of the mountains could see damaging ice accumulations, including around Charlotte and Greensboro. North Carolina's Outer Banks will likely see strong gusts of wind throughout the storm. Winter Storm Jonas is already impacting the region and conditions will only get worse through Friday night.

Overall, Winter Storm Jonas is expected to bring heavy snow, ice accumulations, wind and floods across the eastern portion of the U.S. – a deadly combination that could lead to downed tree limbs, power outages, and severe travel complications.

Arkansas

About a half foot of snow has been reported in central Arkansas, including around Little Rock as of early Friday morning.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, much of the state is under a winter storm warning, and many schools were closed or opened late on Thursday. The N.C. Department of Transportation prepared equipment and began treating roads and bridges. According to WSOC TV, roads in Iredell, Gaston, Alexander, Catawba and Cleveland counties.

The NCDOT is prepared within Mecklenburg County ready to respond, TWC News reported.

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According to reporter Blake Hanson,reports WSOC-TV. Officials hope to resume flights by Saturday.

Thursday morning officials announced that due to the winter storm, reports WSOC-TV.

"After consulting with our public safety partners, we believe this is the best decision for the safety of our players, fans and event staff,” said director of communications for Charlotte Center City Partners Adam Rhew. “We know our fans are excited to cheer on the Panthers this weekend, but the potential impacts of the winter weather that is forecast to affect Charlotte during the day on Friday presents safety concerns for the public.”

Wednesday the North Carolina Department of Transportation, according to WRAL. The 23 percent salt to water mixture is meant to coat the surface of the roads to keep icy precipitation from sticking.

School systems across the central part of the state and some of the universities will be closed down Friday, including North Carolina State University, the Wake County Public School System, and Durham Public Schools, according to WNCN. A full list of school closures can be found .

South Carolina

In South Carolina, the northwestern and central parts of the state are under a winter storm warning that will last through Saturday evening. The state DOT has salt trucks and crews available and have already treated the interstates, bridges and overpasses, according to WSOC-TV.

Tennessee

Officials declared a state of emergency on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the storm's winter impacts.

Meanwhile, the continues after the child disappeared hiking in the woods with his grandmother and 4-year-old sister last week. On Thursday officials announced they found new evidence that the child was still in the woods.

NewsChannel 5 reports that in anticipation of icy roads. Friday the Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville will close at 1:00 p.m., the Austin PeayState University will be closed, and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Paris will open two hours late. A full list of school closure can be found .

The Latest Photos of Winter Storm Jonas