With two days to go until a winter storm hits North Georgia, forecast models have not budged much as confidence in a significant winter weather event increases.
The region is still looking at high accumulations of ice and snow in the mountains, widespread wintry mix and the potential for dangerous travel and power outages, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said Friday. Enjoy the nice weather Friday and Saturday, Monahan said, because starting Sunday morning it could become very difficult to get outside.
“That winter weather threat is moving in on Sunday and it’s going to have everything with it, from rain to freezing rain to sleet and snow,” Monahan said.
On Friday morning, it is dry but cold with temperatures in the 30s and low 40s. Sunshine is in the afternoon forecast, with a projected high of 53 degrees. More of the same is predicted for Saturday afternoon, which is good news for Georgia Bulldogs fans headed to Athens to celebrate their national football championship.
Temperatures should be in the mid-40s when a parade begins at noon, according to Channel 2. While there is a 30% chance of rain Saturday, Monahan said any showers should hold off until after dark.
“Please enjoy the day on Saturday,” he said. “Sunday is going to be a different story. If you are going to be in Athens late in the evening, make sure you have an umbrella with you... there could be a few showers around.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Monahan said the storm will begin as rain for most of North Georgia on Saturday night, and the mountains in the northeast will be the first to transition to wintry mix early Sunday morning. The mix will expand to the west throughout the morning, with snow, sleet and freezing rain continuing all day Sunday, he said.
By the end of the day, northeast Georgia could record 2 to 5 inches of snow and a quarter-inch of ice, according to the latest forecast. Higher elevations in the mountains could see 6 to 10 inches of snow. Snowfall is expected in Atlanta, but the jury is still out as to just how much.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for portions of northeast Georgia beginning Saturday evening into late Sunday night. Monahan said it is likely the watch will be extended to include parts of metro Atlanta in the coming days.
Impacts will be greater north of I-20, especially along the I-85 corridor in northeast Georgia, he said. On the Southside, all the precipitation is expected to fall as rain, and it could be heavy at times.
“If you live near Lake Lanier, you live up in the mountains, wherever you are Sunday afternoon, plan to be there Sunday night,” Monahan said. “Plan to be there Monday morning. It’s going to be really tough to get out on the roads.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to begin brining roads Friday morning. As conditions warrant, it will also apply salt and gravel.
The I-75 express lanes in both Henry and Clayton counties and Cobb and Cherokee counties will be closed at midnight Sunday and remain closed until conditions improve. In addition to slippery travel, the transportation agency expects downed tree limbs and power lines as a result of the storm.
GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry is encouraging motorists to stay off the roads until the winter weather comes to an end to give their crews space to work.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
There is no winter weather to worry about Friday, but the roads are a mess anyway, according the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. An early Friday morning crash has shut down the northbound lanes of the Downtown Connector, and authorities have not said when they might reopen.
The multivehicle wreck was reported just past the West Peachtree Street exit at 5:40 a.m. The lanes are blocked at 10th Street, and northbound traffic is being forced off the interstate.
With backups stretching to I-20, commuters should avoid the connector and take an alternate route Friday morning. Northside Drive, Moreland Avenue and I-285 are all good options, according to traffic reporter Mark Arum.
“If you normally take the Downtown Connector into Midtown, do not do it this morning,” Arum said. The last chance to exit the interstate to avoid the delays is University Avenue, he said.
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JOHN.SPINK@AJC.COM
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JOHN.SPINK@AJC.COM
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.
About the Author
