North Georgia, January 22, 2026
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for North Georgia due to the potential for accumulating snow, freezing rain, and ice from Friday night through Monday morning. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions and power disruptions, with many counties affected. Residents are advised to prepare for severe weather by minimizing travel and ensuring they have necessary supplies.
Atlanta
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Anticipated Conditions and Affected Regions
The Winter Storm Watch is set to commence on Friday night and remain in effect until Monday morning. Forecasters anticipate a potentially dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and ice. The primary concern within the watch area centers on the possibility of significant icing, a phenomenon that can quickly transform roads into perilous surfaces. Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz has communicated that significant accumulations of snow are likely for North Georgia. The watch encompasses a broad expanse of North Georgia, affecting counties such as Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Dade, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Murray, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, Whitfield, and Wilkes. The National Weather Service further clarified that the watch applies to Georgia counties situated north of a line extending from Rome to Gainesville and eastward to Elbert County. While specific core metro Atlanta counties were not initially included, there is an expectation that the watch area will expand to include additional metro Atlanta counties as the weekend approaches. Travelers should note that even areas immediately adjacent to the watch zone, such as Cobb County, may experience a wintry mix.
Understanding the Watch: Preparation, Not Panic
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Prudent Measures and Community Care
In anticipation of the severe weather, residents across North Georgia are strongly encouraged to undertake necessary preparations. Delaying non-essential travel on Saturday and Sunday is advised to avoid perilous road conditions that may become difficult or even impossible to navigate. City of Atlanta officials are urging residents to stay off the roads, ensure electronic devices are charged, and stock up on non-perishable food items and other essentials such as water and batteries. It is also recommended to bring pets indoors to shield them from the cold. For home preparedness, allowing faucets to drip slightly can prevent pipes from freezing, and opening cabinet doors beneath sinks can help heat reach uninsulated pipes. When considering alternative heating sources during potential power outages, caution is paramount; flashlights should be prioritized over candles to mitigate fire risks, and devices like portable generators, camp stoves, and grills must only be operated outdoors, positioned at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Furthermore, an essential part of community resilience lies in checking on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors, offering assistance where possible. Such moments, while challenging, quietly illuminate the bonds of community and the collective spirit of care that defines us. Residents should remain vigilant, monitoring local weather updates as the situation unfolds, understanding that foresight and mutual support are our best defenses against nature’s colder turns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is a Winter Storm Watch?
- A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather, such as heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet, typically within 12 to 48 hours. It signals that conditions are favorable for a significant event, allowing individuals and communities time to prepare.
- Which areas of Georgia are under the Winter Storm Watch?
- The Winter Storm Watch has been issued for numerous North Georgia counties, including Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Dade, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Murray, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, Whitfield, and Wilkes. The watch applies to Georgia counties situated north of a line extending from Rome to Gainesville and eastward to Elbert County. An expansion of the watch is likely for more metro Atlanta counties later.
- When is the Winter Storm Watch in effect?
- The Winter Storm Watch is in effect starting Friday night until Monday morning.
- What kind of weather is expected?
- Forecasters anticipate a potentially dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and ice, with the primary concern being the potential for significant icing. Significant accumulations of snow are likely.
- What are the main concerns for residents?
- Main concerns include exceptionally difficult or impossible travel conditions and the potential for widespread power disruptions due to accumulating snow, freezing rain, and ice. Lingering impacts could also disrupt the Monday morning commute.
- What preparations should residents make?
- Residents should consider delaying non-essential travel, charging electronic devices, stocking up on non-perishable food, water, and batteries, and bringing pets indoors. Home preparations include allowing faucets to drip and opening cabinet doors to protect pipes. When using alternative heat, prioritize flashlights over candles and operate generators, camp stoves, and grills outdoors, at least 20 feet away from structures to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, checking on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors is encouraged.
Key Features of the North Georgia Winter Storm Watch
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Type | Winter Storm Watch | State-level |
| Effective Period | Friday night through Monday morning | State-level |
| Expected Precipitation | Significant accumulating snow, freezing rain, and ice; potentially dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and ice. Primary concern is significant icing. | State-level |
| Affected Counties | Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Dade, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Murray, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, Whitfield, Wilkes. Also, Georgia counties north of a line from Rome to Gainesville and over to Elbert County. Likely expansion to more metro Atlanta counties. | State-level |
| Potential Impacts | Hazardous travel, difficult to impossible road conditions, widespread power outages, disruption to Monday morning commute. | State-level |
| Preparation Advice | Delay non-essential travel; charge devices; stock food, water, batteries; bring pets inside; protect pipes; safe use of alternative heating; check on neighbors. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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