An arctic air mass sprawling across the eastern, central and parts of the western U.S. on Monday will channel temperatures 20-30 degrees below already historically cold January averages and was poised to slam parts of the South with a disruptive winter storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of northern and northeast Florida, as well as southeast Georgia, effective from late Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.

While it's not clear what impact a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow may have on the capital city, officials say now is the time to begin preparations.

Snow, freezing rain and ice can make streets impassable and even knock out power. Here's a look at what to do before freezing temperatures arrive and how to stay safe in the cold.