BLITZER: Just ahead I'll speak live with the chief neurosurgeon at the hospital where Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is recovering. But first, let's check some other important stories we're following right now. Lisa Sylvester is monitoring that. What's going on, Lisa?</s>LISA SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Vice President Biden arrived in Kabul to meet with top U.S. and Afghan personnel including President Hamid Karzai. A White House official says the purpose to assess progress toward the transition of security to Afghan forces. The United States is scheduled to begin withdrawing troops in July. And a Texas judge ruled former House Majority Leader Tom Delay that he will serve three years in prison on money laundering and conspiracy charges. Delay you may recall was convicted back in November of illegally funneling $190,000 in corporate money to help re-elect GOP candidates to the state legislature. He told the court he doesn't believe he did anything wrong. And the southeast is getting hammered with a rare blast of winter weather this hour. Take a look. Snow, freezing rain and sleet are wreaking havoc on travelers and thousands are without power. The weather system is expected to head northeast starting tomorrow. Wolf --</s>BLITZER: Looks like it's going to be bad.</s>SYLVESTER: Yes, it is.</s>BLITZER: People got to get ready, they had warning. No excuses.</s>SYLVESTER: Yes, if they have to get on a plane, they might want to check their flights ahead of time.</s>BLITZER: Good idea, Lisa. Thank you. All right, coming up, I'll speak live with the neurosurgeon treating Congresswoman Giffords and I'll ask him if he believes she'll be able to walk, be able to talk, how she's doing with her recovery. Standby for that. And we'll also hear what Sarah Palin is now saying about the Arizona shooting.
Biden Visits Afghanistan; Winter Storm Slams Southeast