Georgia winter climate storm: Freezing rain, ice accumulation may impression journey

A rising risk of winter climate may carry harmful journey situations and doable energy outages throughout North Georgia this weekend, as forecasters warn that ice, not snow, often is the greatest concern.

Weather fashions proceed to sign a probably impactful storm, with freezing rain anticipated to develop as chilly arctic air collides with moisture transferring in from the Gulf. While the precise particulars stay unsure, forecasters say sufficient ice may fall to trigger issues throughout the area.

Ice storm risk growing throughout North Georgia

Forecasters say there’s a likelihood North Georgia may see between a half-inch and an inch of ice by late Sunday, relying on how temperatures and moisture line up.

Models are usually not in excellent settlement on timing or quantities, however even small modifications may make an enormous distinction. Ice accumulation on roads, bridges, energy strains and bushes may result in harmful journey situations and scattered energy outages.

Temperatures are anticipated to hover simply above freezing Saturday and Sunday, elevating considerations about how a lot ice might soften in the course of the day — and the way a lot may refreeze at night time.

Cold air, Gulf moisture setting the stage

The National Weather Service warned of “great swaths of heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous freezing rain” beginning Friday throughout the nation’s midsection earlier than shifting east by Sunday.

An extraordinarily chilly arctic air mass is predicted to plunge south from Canada, organising a conflict with rain streaming eastward throughout the southern United States. Forecasters say an atmospheric river of moisture may stretch from Texas throughout the Gulf Coast and into Georgia and the Carolinas by the weekend.

“Global models are painting a concerning picture of what this weekend could look like, with an increasingly strong signal for ice storm potential across North Georgia and portions of central Georgia,” the National Weather Service’s Atlanta workplace mentioned.

Ice may linger into Monday

Even after precipitation strikes out, chilly air is predicted to stay round. Forecasters say ice that kinds on roads and sidewalks might not soften shortly.

In metro Atlanta, low temperatures early Monday are anticipated to be round 22 levels, with highs solely reaching about 35 levels. That may permit ice to linger into the beginning of the workweek, particularly in shaded or untreated areas.

Winter storm watch issued

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for a number of North Georgia counties, together with Lumpkin, Dade, Walker, and Cherokee. Due to the possible heavy blended precipitation and potential snow and sleet accumulation as much as 4 inches, the company is advising drivers to contemplate delaying all journey on Saturday and Sunday. 

NWS has issued the storm look ahead to the next counties:  

• Dade
• Walker
• Catoosa
• Whitfield
• Murray
• Fannin
• Gilmer
• Union
• Towns
• Chattooga
• Gordon
• Pickens
• Dawson
• Lumpkin
• White
• Floyd
• Bartow
• Cherokee
• Forsyth
• Hall
• Banks

Governor Kemp urges Georgians to arrange for storm now

Gov. Brian Kemp mentioned state leaders are intently monitoring the incoming climate system and urged Georgians to take time now to arrange.

“It’s still early, but it looks like we’re going to get another storm,” Kemp mentioned in an replace posted on his social media channels. “It could potentially ice and be a little worse than the last storm we had.”

Kemp inspired residents to top off on necessities akin to meals, batteries and gasoline, and to be prepared for doable energy outages. He mentioned state and federal companions are coordinating, with crews making ready roads whereas hoping for one of the best.

“I’m closely monitoring the incoming weather system with state agencies as they prepare for anything this weekend may bring,” Kemp mentioned within the submit. “Take this time to secure food, fill up on gas, and ensure you’re prepared for any potential loss of power.”

Hartsfield-Jackson prepares for doable winter climate on the airport

Leaders at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport say they’re prepared if winter climate disrupts journey this weekend.

Airport CEO Ricky Smith mentioned groups are already in preparation mode after just lately bracing for an additional potential storm and are taking the identical strategy heading into the weekend forward.

“We are equally prepared going into the upcoming weekend,” Smith mentioned, noting that airport operations depend on shut coordination with federal companies, airline companions, and metropolis leaders.

Smith mentioned the airport is working particularly intently with Delta Air Lines, its largest provider, as crews put together for the potential for snow or ice. While snow occasions are uncommon in Atlanta, he mentioned groups have been coaching extensively to ensure they’re prepared.

“Our snow teams don’t get a lot of opportunities to engage in a snow event, so we are doing a lot of preparation,” Smith mentioned. “We have new equipment that will make us more efficient, and our team has been doing round-the-clock training to operate that equipment and perform the cycles we have in place.”

Smith urged vacationers to test with their airways earlier than heading to the airport, particularly if the climate worsens.

“Whenever there’s a high travel period or some kind of extraordinary event, we always ask that you call your airline before you come to the airport,” he mentioned. “You can also go to atl.com. We don’t want you on the roadways if you don’t have to be.”

If delays or cancellations do happen, Smith mentioned airport workers will work to make the expertise as easy as doable for vacationers already on the terminal.

“Just know that the airport is prepared,” Smith mentioned. “Operations will be safe, and we’ll get through it.”

Smith, who beforehand labored in colder-weather cities like Cleveland and Baltimore, acknowledged that winter storms current distinctive challenges in Atlanta as a result of they occur sometimes. Still, he mentioned the airport has centered closely on coaching and preparation.

“I think we’ve done an extraordinary job preparing our team for an experience they don’t get to carry out very often,” he mentioned.

What to look at going ahead

Forecasters say the precise path and timing of the storm stay unsure, making it tough to pinpoint which areas will see rain versus ice. Weather officers are urging residents to remain alert as forecasts are refined within the coming days.