North Georgia is experiencing a dose of winter weather, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for multiple counties, urging residents to prepare for icy roads, school closures, and bitterly cold temperatures.
Which Areas Are Affected?
The advisory covers a large portion of North Georgia, including Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Chattooga, Gordon, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Floyd, Bartow, Cherokee, Haralson, Paulding, and Polk counties.
Cities such as Ringgold, Rome, Blue Ridge, and Blairsville have already reported light snowfall, with higher elevations above 2,500 feet seeing up to an inch of accumulation. While the snowfall totals aren’t extreme, slick roads and freezing temperatures are creating hazardous conditions.
How This Storm is Impacting Schools & Travel
Many school districts in North Georgia have chosen to close, delay start times, or switch to virtual learning due to unsafe road conditions. Parents should check with their local school districts for the latest updates.
For drivers, the biggest concern is icy patches on roads, particularly bridges and overpasses. The Georgia Department of Transportation is urging motorists to drive cautiously, avoid sudden braking, and allow extra travel time.
In metro Atlanta, temperatures are hovering in the low 40s, with cold rain falling instead of snow. While no major accumulations are expected in the city, the chilly, wet conditions will persist throughout the day.
What’s Next?
As the system moves out, temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s overnight, making for an even colder Thursday morning. Any lingering moisture on roads could refreeze, creating black ice concerns for early commuters.
How to Stay Safe
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel: If you must drive, slow down and be mindful of icy patches.
- Bundle Up: Wind chills will make it feel even colder, so wear layers, hats, and gloves if heading outside.
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Ensure elderly residents or those without proper heating have what they need.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts for any new warnings or advisories.
Although this winter storm won’t bring major accumulations, the cold temperatures and slick roads will continue to be an issue. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep an eye on the latest updates from the National Weather Service and local news outlets.