A powerful winter storm is set to impact large portions of Georgia beginning Friday evening and continuing through early Sunday, bringing heavy snow, dangerous travel conditions, and bitterly cold temperatures across much of the state.
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for much of North and East-Central Georgia, the Carolinas, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia as a strong system moves in from the west.
The Winter Storm Warning is in effect for these Georgia counties: Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Burke, Clarke, Columbia, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Glascock, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Hancock, Hart, Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Madison, McDuffie, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Rabun, Richmond, Stephens, Taliaferro, Towns, Union, Walton, Warren, Washington, White, and Wilkes.
The following Georgia counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory:
Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Henry, Jasper, Jones, Murray, Newton, North Fulton, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rockdale, South Fulton, Twiggs, Walker, Whitfield, Wilkinson
An Extreme Cold Watch remains in effect for all of North and Central Georgia from 7 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday.
What to expect
Snow is expected to overspread the region overnight Friday, intensify through Saturday, and linger into early Sunday morning.
Expect snow accumulations ranging from 2 to 4 inches across much of the northern and east-central parts of Georgia, with locally higher amounts possible, especially in elevated areas. Winds could gust between 30 and 35 mph, creating areas of blowing snow and sharply reducing visibility at times.
Temperatures will remain well below freezing, allowing snow to stick quickly to roads, bridges, and overpasses. Officials warn that travel could become very difficult to impossible, particularly from late Friday night through Saturday. The hazardous conditions may also lead to isolated power outages as snow and wind place stress on trees and power lines.
Wind chills are expected to plunge into the single digits and below zero Saturday and Saturday night, raising concerns for frostbite and hypothermia for anyone exposed to the elements.
Emergency officials urge residents to delay travel if possible, monitor forecast updates closely, and prepare for prolonged winter conditions. Anyone who must travel is advised to keep emergency supplies in their vehicle, including food, water, and a flashlight.
