MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Gov. Robert Bentley says Alabama is taking no chances as a winter storm hits the state.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Bentley said he is urging schools in the storm's path to close today and for motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.
A statewide state of emergency began at a 6 a.m. today.
State road crews have treated interstates in Birmingham and other parts of the state to combat ice.
Bentley says the state is trying to learn some lessons after a Jan. 28 storm crippled much of the Birmingham area.
Wrecker crews with the Alabama National Guard are on standby at several locations across Alabama to assist with clearing roads.
The governor says the state took the Jan. 28 storm seriously, but forecasts were incorrect.