RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Governors in two southern states have declared emergencies ahead of an anticipated intense winter storm.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Saturday he'd declared an emergency to help state agencies prepare for a storm that's expected to hit hard the southern part of the state.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued the declaration Friday and said the impacts of the weekend storm will vary across the state, with forecasters calling for up to 18 inches of snow in the mountains and possible flooding at the coast.

The National Weather Service said Saturday the heaviest snow is expected in northwest North Carolina and southern Virginia.

The weather service said a "prolonged period of snow is expected" starting as early as Saturday evening and lasting until Monday.