ATLANTA – Winter weather gripped North Georgia on Friday, leaving behind snow, ice, and treacherous road conditions. As temperatures continue to plummet overnight, freezing rain and refreeze on roads pose significant hazards heading into the weekend.
FOX 5 Storm Team chief meteorologist David Chandley says that freezing temperatures are widespread. “The bulk of the freezing rain we’ve been putting up with has exited our area, moving up I-85 into the upstate of South Carolina,” Chandley said. “Now it becomes a freezing issue.”
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Waking up to icy, slushy roadways
While precipitation has largely ended, forecasters warn that icy conditions and high winds will continue to pose challenges through Saturday.
Icy roadways will be a concern, especially in areas that briefly rose above freezing earlier. The combination of freezing temperatures and gusty winds will also increase the risk of power outages as ice-coated tree limbs and branches fall.
“Temperatures are a degree or two below freezing in some areas, and a degree or two above in others,” said a meteorologist monitoring the situation overnight. “More importantly, winds have increased, potentially causing more trees and branches to come down under the weight of the ice.”
Although metro Atlanta remained just above freezing late Friday night, forecasters warned that ice remained on the roads, potentially creating hazardous driving conditions.
“While precipitation is largely over across North Georgia, flurries are still flying through the air in some places, such as Blairsville,” the meteorologist noted.
MARTA bus service suspended
Bus service by MARTA remained suspended on Saturday morning due to hazardous road conditions. Bus service will resume when road conditions allow. Streetcar service is also suspended.
Rail service is currently operating on a weekend schedule and mobility service will operate in emergency situations only as conditions allow.
Real-time service information can be found on MARTA’s social media accounts – @MARTAservice and @MARTAtransit on X (Twitter) and @MARTAtransit on Facebook.
How much snow fell in Atlanta?
The storm brought 1 to 5 inches of snow across North Georgia earlier in the day, with 3 inches recorded at FOX 5 studios in Atlanta. Officially at Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta recorded 2.1 inches of snow.
How much snow in Atlanta?: Preliminary snowfall totals from North Georgia
The snowstorm delivered varied totals across the metro area, with 1 to 3 inches on the east and west sides and up to 4 inches in Carrollton and Greene County. Ice accumulations also created issues, with up to a quarter-inch of ice in parts of metro Atlanta and isolated heavier amounts along I-85. “That ice is hanging on trees and power lines, and with winds picking up, power outages are rising,” Chandley explained.
Black ice and refreezing
Chandley noted road temperatures across the region were hovering around freezing. “Even areas slightly above freezing are hazardous, and we urge drivers to remain cautious,” she said.
Chandley warned of worsening conditions as strong winds, gusting up to 25 mph, could bring more power outages on Saturday. The extended forecast showed temperatures dipping into the teens and lower 20s from Saturday night into Sunday morning. “It’s bone-chilling cold,” Chandley said. “The freezing temperatures and icy roads make for a storm alert day tomorrow, even without additional precipitation.”
Forecasters urged residents to stay off the roads if possible. Limited melting is expected on Saturday, with highs in the mid-30s before temperatures drop again.
“This is a dangerous situation,” Chandler said. “Stay safe and stay tuned for updates as we navigate this winter weather event.”
Even colder Sunday
By Sunday morning, widespread temperatures in the teens will blanket North Georgia, though the cold air is not expected to linger all day. Forecasters predict a warming trend in the afternoons, with temperatures reaching the 40s by Sunday and remaining there throughout the week.
“This storm started as sleet and quickly changed over to snow,” the meteorologist said. “The snow was beautiful, and while the ice on tree branches might look picturesque, it has caused significant problems for power lines and road safety.”
As of Saturday, residents are advised to remain cautious while driving, especially during early morning hours when ice is most likely to persist. For those without power, the increase in winds and dropping temperatures could pose additional challenges.
The next few days will bring cold mornings but milder afternoons, offering some relief from the harsh conditions brought by the storm.
Keep up with the latest by downloading the FREE FOX 5 Storm Team app and following @FOX5StormTeam on Twitter
The Source: This is an original weather report by FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alex Forbes.
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