Beware the Chill: GDOT Advises Drivers to Skip Unneeded Winter Journeys

FOREST PARK, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is diligently preparing for an incoming winter storm expected to cause dangerous road conditions in multiple areas of the state commencing Friday. Crews have been treating roads in North Georgia since Wednesday, with increased efforts across the metro Atlanta region and Northwest Georgia.

“This storm system seems, according to meteorologists, to create an icy scenario,” stated GDOT spokesperson Natalie Dale. “We are observing lower probabilities of snow, which is unfortunate, and higher probabilities of ice.”

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Crews commenced sending out brine tankers to treat the roads in Northwest Georgia last night and initiated brining of state roads and highways in the metro Atlanta area Thursday morning. These treatments aim to establish a protective layer on the roads before ice commences to form.

“We will keep brining throughout the day, so it’s best to stay off the roads at this time,” Dale explained. “We understand that it is sunny out and nothing is falling, but our teams are working to ensure a significant saturation of brine is applied.”

The most recent weather models indicate icy conditions could start Friday morning and continue into Saturday. To tackle this, GDOT has mobilized extra crews from South Georgia and arranged 12-hour shifts for road workers across the state. Preparations are also underway at GDOT’s Forest Park facility to make sure resources are allocated effectively.

“This is the initial winter storm of the season, and the first segment of GDOT’s winter plan is currently in action as we brace for tomorrow’s icy conditions,” Dale added.

GDOT officials advise motorists to refrain from driving during the winter storm to prevent collisions and enable crews to operate effectively.

“It’s just going to be a couple of days—24 to 48 hours—but ask yourself, is this trip absolutely necessary?” said Dale. “There may be slick spots, particularly on local streets and shaded areas that retain water. We want everyone to stay safe, and part of that is avoiding the roads. It’s really that straightforward.”

Drivers are encouraged to monitor weather information and adhere to all safety advisories as GDOT persists in its efforts to keep Georgia’s roads as secure as feasible during the storm.