Snow falling in Louisiana during the pre-dawn hours prompted the closure of multiple interstates as a winter weather system took aim at other states across the Deep South, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued winter storm warnings in parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Winter weather advisories covered most of Alabama and much of Georgia. Several school districts across the region canceled classes.

Snow was falling before dawn Tuesday in Louisiana and Mississippi, and was expected to move into Alabama and Georgia later Tuesday.

In Louisiana, state officials said both lanes of Interstate 49 in the Shreveport area were closed early Tuesday. Parts of I-20 and I-220 were also closed.

In Jackson, Mississippi, city offices were closed. Up to 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of snow was possible in Mississippi's Delta region.

In Alabama, schools were closing or altering operating hours Tuesday as far south as south Alabama, and numerous businesses and government offices closed because of the threat. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency.

Alabama officials were trying to avoid a repeat of four years ago, when a winter storm blanketed central Alabama and left motorists stranded on roads in metro Birmingham for hours. Teachers and students camped out in schools.

Forecasters aren't predicting a large amount of snow for Alabama — just 2 inches (5 centimeters) or less with more in spots. But they say temperatures steadily falling into the teens could freeze anything that comes down.