News Summary
Unexpected winter weather has disrupted schedules for schools across Georgia, prompting school districts to adjust their plans due to icy conditions. As a Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning are in effect, many districts are delaying start times or considering closures. With treacherous road conditions anticipated, educators and parents are navigating the chills and uncertainties together. Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency, and weather experts are monitoring the situation closely. Updates regarding school operations will be communicated promptly as developments unfold.
Winter Weather Forces Georgian Schools to Change Plans
In Atlanta, the unexpected winter weather has stirred things up for school districts across the state. On Tuesday, snowflakes began to fall, prompting several school administrators to take another look at their plans for Wednesday, January 22. It’s a move that has left many students, parents, and teachers deliberating on how to adapt to the frosty weather conditions.
Winter Weather Advisory in Effect
Currently, a significant portion of metro Atlanta and south Georgia finds itself under a Winter Weather Advisory. Meanwhile, areas south of Interstate 20 are facing an even harsher Winter Storm Warning. The situation has escalated to the point that Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency, which will stay in effect until next Tuesday.
What to Expect Tonight
As snow makes its exit from northern Georgia by 9 or 10 p.m. tonight, residents should brace themselves for some of the coldest temperatures recorded in over a year. Roads are likely to be quite treacherous on Wednesday, with numerous slick spots and ice patches posing challenges for morning commuters. This is leading to some local school systems to rethink their schedules.
School Districts Adjusting Schedules
Several school districts are taking precautions. Here’s what’s happening across the board:
- Atlanta Public Schools
- Barrow County School System
- Butts County Schools
- Clarke County School District
- Coweta County Schools
- Dalton Public Schools
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- Griffin-Spalding County School System
- Hebron Christian Academy
- Henry County Schools
- Jackson County School System
- Jefferson City Schools
- Murray County Schools
- Newton County Schools
- Pike County Public Schools
- Putnam County Charter School System
- Thomaston-Upson County Schools
- Troup County School System
- University of Georgia
- City Schools of Decatur
- Clayton County Public Schools
- Dekalb County School District
- Forsyth County Schools
- Fulton County School System
- Gwinnett County Public Schools
- Meriwether County School System
- Rockdale County Public Schools
Additionally, Cobb County Schools and Marietta City Schools will start their day two hours later on Wednesday. Educators and parents alike are grateful for these adjustments, as many parts of the region are just starting to thaw, while others might face a refreezing situation as temperatures drop overnight.
Looking Ahead
The weather continues to evolve, and many school districts are already weighing their options for Thursday, January 23, due to the lingering impacts from this winter weather. As it stands, some cancellations and delays are expected as more information unfolds.
With weather experts from the Fox 5 Storm Team and the National Weather Service keeping an eye on the situation, individuals can rest assured that any updates regarding school closures and delays will be communicated promptly. In the meantime, everyone is urged to stay safe out there, keep warm, and enjoy some hot cocoa as we wait for this wild winter weather to pass!
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- WSB TV
- Google Search: Georgia winter weather school closures
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact on Schools
- 11 Alive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- 13 WMAZ
- Google News: Winter Weather School Closures Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
