Winter Weather Alert: What to Expect in North Georgia
ATLANTA — The Severe Weather Team 2 is providing real-time updates on the impending winter storm affecting northern Georgia this weekend. Meteorologist Brian Monahan shared the latest forecast data during Channel 2 Action News This Morning, starting at 4:30 a.m.
Arctic air is moving south, combining with moisture to create a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. The winter weather threat will intensify from Saturday evening through Sunday. Winter storm watches have been issued for areas west of Georgia, extending from Texas to northern Alabama. Monahan notes that Georgia is not yet under a watch, as the forecast is still somewhat uncertain. However, a watch is expected to be issued for parts of the state later in the day.
The new data indicates that the northern half of Georgia will likely experience the most significant impacts. It also suggests a warmer surge for the southern regions, but the extent of this warmth remains uncertain. Monahan will closely monitor the situation to determine the precipitation type, especially south of I-20.
As of Wednesday, it's too early to provide precise details such as exact amounts, timing, and the specific locations where the rain/ice line will set up. These details will become clearer 1-3 days before the storm's arrival.
Governor Brian Kemp assured residents that emergency management is closely monitoring the situation. He stated, 'We're already looking at next weekend. We'll be prepared, treating roads, having teams ready. Hopefully, we get snow, and not ice, but [GEMA] Director Lamb and the rest of our team are on it.'
GDOT officials are awaiting an update to determine the necessary steps to ensure Georgia's roads remain safe and open. The state has made significant improvements since the 2014 Snowmaggedon event, utilizing new technology, better equipment, and more efficient crew deployment. Currently, the state has over 1.6 million gallons of brine stored, compared to just over 70,000 gallons in 2014.
Here are some preparedness tips for the upcoming winter weather:
- Protect your pets and plants when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Prevent frozen pipes by sealing cracks and openings, using weather strips and caulk, insulating your home, and wrapping unprotected pipes with insulation or installing pipe heat cables.
- Ensure your vehicle is prepared for freezing temperatures, avoiding items like cellphones, medication, soda and beer, canned food, and musical instruments.
For more information on winter weather preparedness, including emergency kits, wind chill, safe shoveling, hypothermia and frostbite treatment, and pipe freezing prevention, visit the provided links.
Stay tuned for further updates as the weather situation unfolds.
