Winter storm set to bring snow, ice to Atlanta
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Graphic: National Weather Service
The winter storm that knocked out power and brought plunging temperatures to other parts of the country moves into metro Atlanta and north Georgia this weekend, and state officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Why it matters: Y'all remember Snowpocalypse in 2011 and Snowmageddon in 2014, right?!
The latest: A winter storm warning remains in effect through Saturday morning. A state of emergency is in effect as well, and all state government offices in and north of Columbus, Macon and Augusta are closed Friday.
- Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday in a press release that state Department of Transportation crews have treated roads in anticipation of the storm.
- "I'm asking all Georgians to help them do their jobs by limiting travel as much as possible in the coming days," he added.
- Schools and local government offices around north and central Georgia are also closed Friday.
- Atlanta warming centers are open 24 hours until Sunday at noon.
The forecast: According to the National Weather Service, "a mix of multiple winter precipitation types are expected" to fall in the area.
- Slow and sleet accumulations measuring as much as 3 inches are possible across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.
- Also possible are ice accumulations measuring up to one third of an inch, according to NWS.
What they're saying: Dylan Lusk, a forecaster with NWS in Peachtree City, tells Axios that precipitation will begin falling in the Atlanta area around sunrise Friday.
- Soil temperatures have been close to the freezing mark, which means that as soon as precipitation begins to fall, "it will likely not take long for it to start sticking" in some locations, Lusk says.
By the numbers: The Atlanta DOT has on hand nine brine trucks, two brine stations, 12 spreaders, 5,500 tons of salt, 20,000 gallons of brines and 40 seasonal brine and spreader rentals it will use at its disposal.
What we're watching: If people will heed the advice to stay home and if we'll experience any power outages.