Gov. Nathan Deal listens to a question about the state's response to the snowstorm during a news conference Wednesday in Atlanta. The snowstorm left thousands across the U.S. South frozen in their tracks, with workers sleeping in their offices, students camping in their schools, and commuters abandoning cars along the highway to seek shelter in churches or even grocery stores.

ATLANTA - Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has extended the state of emergency, allowing the state to use certain resources to help local governments clear roads and respond to other storm-related issues.

Deal first issued a state of emergency Tuesday evening, after a winter storm began coating the metro Atlanta region with snow. Deal said in a statement that he's extending the emergency declaration through Sunday night.

Deal has asked state employees to return to work today unless traveling puts them in harm's way. He says government employees who think it's unsafe to travel should contact their supervisors.