An extreme cold watch has been issued for Atlanta and North Georgia Sunday night into Monday morning, as the wind chill is expected to be near or below 0 degrees.
The winter blast is set to hit metro Atlanta as tens of thousands will be in the city for the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Martin Luther King Jr. Day events.
Low temperatures below 20 degrees and winds gusting up to 20 miles per hour will make temperatures feel like they are near or below 0 degrees, the National Weather Service said.
The watch will likely be upgraded to an extreme cold warning by Sunday, the agency said.
“All areas outside the watch could still see exceptionally cold temperatures with wind chills reaching from 15 down to the single digits,” NWS said.
Gov. Brian Kemp said Saturday that the state is monitoring and preparing for the incoming winter weather front.
“I urge all Georgians to take precautions now and ensure you and your family can remain safe in the coming days, especially if icy conditions prevent use of roads,” he said in a social media post.
NWS cautioned that the freezing temperatures could cause water pipes to freeze or rupture, urging residents in affected areas to wrap or drain them. Letting water drip slowly from faucets can also prevent pipes from freezing.
The agency also recommended people stay indoors or dress in layers including a hat, face mask and gloves if they must go outside.
A freeze watch is in effect in southeast Georgia and north Florida Sunday night through Monday morning where temperatures will be as low as 27 degrees.
“Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures,” NWS said. “Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold.”
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