ATLANTA - Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal says asking for generators was a priority in a request for winter weather assistance to President Barack Obama.

In a statement, Deal said he requested federal assistance Monday night. Officials have predicted that ice accumulations could lead to widespread power outages as freezing rain begins to fall. Deal says the federal declaration also allows state officials to request food, blankets and other necessities.

The federal declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate all disaster relief efforts in the 45 counties where Deal declared a state of emergency on Monday afternoon.

Deal says FEMA is authorized to provide equipment and resources at its discretion, and the federal government is paying for 75 percent of emergency assistance it provides.