Louisiana governor declares a state of emergency

ATLANTA (AP) - Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says on Twitter that he's declared a state of emergency across the state "due to the winter weather and dangerous conditions."

In the brief statement on social media late Wednesday morning, the governor's office says more than 1.5 million pounds (680,000 kilograms) of salt has been distributed around the state to use on roadways.

The governor says 1,200 state transportation department employees are working "around the clock" as the state works to reopen shuttered roads and bridges around Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is urging people to only drive if absolutely necessary.

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