A huge winter storm spreading snow, sleet and freezing rain is taking aim at millions of people across a wide swath of the South as more than 300,000 are left without power and 1,500 flights are canceled.

Governors and local officials in several states declared emergencies ahead of winter storm Diego, freeing up funds and manpower to help mitigate its effect as the threat of immobilizing snowfalls, icy roads and possible power outages increased.

The National Weather Service said a ‘prolonged period of snow is expected’ starting Saturday and lasting until Monday, with the heaviest snow expected in northwest North Carolina and southern Virginia.

A huge winter storm spreading snow, sleet and freezing rain is taking aim at millions of people across a wide swath of the South, including Durham in North Carolina (above)

More than 10 inches of snow was dumped on Lubbock, Texas (pictured above) on Saturday – one of the highest snowfalls on record

Forecasters have said some mountainous areas of North Carolina could get up to 12 inches of snow or more.

Heavy rains were expected elsewhere in other parts of the South, creating possible floods in coastal areas.

More than 10 inches of snow was dumped on Lubbock, Texas on Saturday – one of the highest snowfalls on record.

Meanwhile heavy rains caused flooding in parts of Houston.

States of emergency were declared in Virginia, North Carolina and Oklahoma ahead of the storm.