By Brendan O’Brien

(Reuters) – A strong winter storm with heavy snowfall and winds engulfed areas of the U.S. Southeast on Monday. Federal offices and schools were forced to close because it threatened to disrupt power and make travel unsafe.

According to the National Weather Service, severe weather warnings are in effect for Georgia, Virginia, Carolinas, Virginia, as well as northward into Washington, Philadelphia. There, 4-8inches (10-20cm) of snow was forecast and winds at 40 miles an hour (64km/hour).

According to the Weather Service, some parts could receive 2 inches in an hour. There will also be 30 cm total wet snow accumulation from the storm.

Austin Mansfield from Virginia’s weather service, said that this is not an unusual setup, particularly at this time of the year. “We are talking about areas that have high levels of population, so increasing snowfall can be a problem.”

Inclement weather forces federal offices to close in Washington. Hundreds of schools in the area were also forced to cancel classes or postpone them.

Heavy snow is expected to build up on roads and power lines. This could cause dangerous travel conditions, and possibly leave homes and businesses in the area without electricity.

Muriel Bowser, Washington’s Mayor declared a snow emergency. Public transportation was reduced in this 700,000. population city.

Maryland Department of Transportation tweeted, “If travel is necessary, please lower your normal speeds,” Take your time.

Flood watches and tornado warnings are in effect along the coast of North Carolina for heavy rains or damaging winds.

Wake County’s public schools decided to continue classes despite the bad weather. Some were skeptical about this decision.

“I saw a tree on top of a car as I was driving in the Wake Forest High school carpool lanes. Huge pop & sparks from the power line above us,” said Twitter (NYSE:) user Angela Carter. “This is unacceptable weather to have parents, teens & buses driving on the roads. Make better decisions!”