Snow Engulfs North Georgia, Advances South Toward Atlanta

North Georgia is currently experiencing heavy snowfall, with conditions expected to advance southward towards Atlanta. This week’s winter weather follows a previous bout of wintry conditions that kept residents indoors.

Winter Storm Forecast for Georgia

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts the peak snowfall in the region between 7 a.m. Saturday and 4 a.m. Sunday. The event is triggered by an Arctic blast of cold air interacting with rain from the Gulf Coast.

Snow Accumulation Projections

• Expected snowfall in metro Atlanta: ½ inch to 2 inches.
• East Georgia regions like Athens could see up to 6 inches.

Alerts are in place statewide, including a winter storm warning for Atlanta. The NWS anticipates heavy snow in the metro area, with accumulations potentially reaching higher amounts locally.

Temperature Expectations

Saturday will be notably cold, with temperatures in Atlanta expected to peak at only 27 degrees. The wind chill could make it feel around 10 degrees colder, dropping into the single digits overnight.

Statewide Weather Alerts

A winter weather advisory is active for parts of Northwest and Middle Georgia, with predictions of up to 1 inch of snow. High winds of up to 35 mph will exacerbate conditions, causing poor visibility and slick roads.

The state is under an extreme cold warning this weekend, highlighting the dangerous wind chill effects. Residents are advised to dress in layers and minimize outdoor activities.

Preparation and Response

In preparation for the worsening weather, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency. This order is effective until February 6, ensuring resources are allocated for emergency response and recovery.

• Georgia Power reported minimal outages, with less than 130 customers without electricity statewide.
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) treated roads with nearly 2 million gallons of brine.

Road Conditions and Safety Precautions

Motorists are strongly urged to stay off the roads until conditions improve. GDOT has 570 snow removal units prepared, with crews ready to take action as snow begins to accumulate.

As a reminder, the public should monitor weather updates and prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions. Stay safe and warm during this winter storm.