Atlanta and North Georgia coping with icy, slushy roadways from winter storm; wind on the way in which

ATLANTA – Winter climate gripped North Georgia on Friday, forsaking snow, ice, and treacherous highway situations. As temperatures proceed to plummet in a single day, freezing rain and refreeze on roads pose vital hazards heading into the weekend.

FOX 5 Storm Workforce chief meteorologist David Chandley says that freezing temperatures are widespread. “The majority of the freezing rain we’ve been placing up with has exited our space, shifting up I-85 into the upstate of South Carolina,” Chandley mentioned. “Now it turns into a freezing concern.”

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Waking as much as icy, slushy roadways

Whereas precipitation has largely ended, forecasters warn that icy situations and excessive winds will proceed to pose challenges by Saturday.

Icy roadways will likely be a priority, particularly in areas that briefly rose above freezing earlier. The mix of freezing temperatures and gusty winds may even improve the chance of energy outages as ice-coated tree limbs and branches fall.

“Temperatures are a level or two beneath freezing in some areas, and a level or two above in others,” mentioned a meteorologist monitoring the scenario in a single day. “Extra importantly, winds have elevated, doubtlessly inflicting extra timber and branches to return down underneath the load of the ice.”

Though metro Atlanta remained simply above freezing late Friday evening, forecasters warned that ice remained on the roads, doubtlessly creating hazardous driving situations.

“Whereas precipitation is basically over throughout North Georgia, flurries are nonetheless flying by the air in some locations, corresponding to Blairsville,” the meteorologist famous.

How a lot snow fell in Atlanta?

The storm introduced 1 to five inches of snow throughout North Georgia earlier within the day, with 3 inches recorded at FOX 5 studios in Atlanta. Formally at Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta recorded 2.1 inches of snow. 

How a lot snow in Atlanta?: Preliminary snowfall totals from North Georgia

The snowstorm delivered assorted totals throughout the metro space, with 1 to three inches on the east and west sides and as much as 4 inches in Carrollton and Greene County. Ice accumulations additionally created points, with as much as a quarter-inch of ice in elements of metro Atlanta and remoted heavier quantities alongside I-85. “That ice is hanging on timber and energy strains, and with winds choosing up, energy outages are rising,” Chandley defined.

Black ice and refreezing

Chandley famous highway temperatures throughout the area have been hovering round freezing. “Even areas barely above freezing are hazardous, and we urge drivers to stay cautious,” she mentioned.

Chandley warned of worsening situations as robust winds, gusting as much as 25 mph, might convey extra energy outages on Saturday. The prolonged forecast confirmed temperatures dipping into the kids and decrease 20s from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. “It’s bone-chilling chilly,” Chandley mentioned. “The freezing temperatures and icy roads make for a storm alert day tomorrow, even with out further precipitation.”

Forecasters urged residents to remain off the roads if potential. Restricted melting is anticipated on Saturday, with highs within the mid-30s earlier than temperatures drop once more. 

“This can be a harmful scenario,” Chandler mentioned. “Keep secure and keep tuned for updates as we navigate this winter climate occasion.”

Even colder Sunday

By Sunday morning, widespread temperatures within the teenagers will blanket North Georgia, although the chilly air shouldn’t be anticipated to linger all day. Forecasters predict a warming development within the afternoons, with temperatures reaching the 40s by Sunday and remaining there all through the week.

“This storm began as sleet and rapidly modified over to snow,” the meteorologist mentioned. “The snow was stunning, and whereas the ice on tree branches would possibly look picturesque, it has precipitated vital issues for energy strains and highway security.”

As of Saturday, residents are suggested to stay cautious whereas driving, particularly throughout early morning hours when ice is most probably to persist. For these with out energy, the rise in winds and dropping temperatures might pose further challenges. 

The subsequent few days will convey chilly mornings however milder afternoons, providing some reduction from the cruel situations introduced by the storm.

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