News Summary
North Georgia experienced significant winter weather last Friday, with rain, snow, and ice creating treacherous conditions. Residents faced icy roads, power outages, and accidents. Fortunately, recovery efforts restored power by Friday evening, but drivers are still urged to exercise caution. The storm left an overall snow accumulation of 1 to 5 inches, with lingering icy conditions expected as temperatures remain cold. Residents are advised to stay off the roads during early hours due to black ice risks.
North Georgia Weather Update: Snow, Ice, and a Chill in the Air!
Ah, the charm of winter in North Georgia! Last Friday, residents were treated to a mix of rain, snow, and ice, creating quite a winter wonderland, or for some, a bit of a headache! As the rain began to wrap up Friday night, many were looking forward to a dry and pleasant Saturday. Meteorologist forecasts indicated cool morning temperatures which would give way to a comfortably mild afternoon. A welcome reprieve after the chaos of the storm!
Winter Weather Woes
But let’s rewind a bit to Friday, where the winter weather really made its presence felt. Snow and ice swept through the region, creating some treacherous road conditions that left many feeling a little uneasy behind the wheel. As temperatures dropped overnight into Saturday, the situation grew a bit grimmer with freezing rain and refreezing, which posed significant hazards for anyone trying to navigate the roads.
While most main roads were reported clear by Saturday morning, those lesser-traveled areas were still dealing with slushy conditions that made driving risky. It was like a game of ice hockey on asphalt! Even though the precipitation had largely packed its bags by Friday night, the icy conditions lingered, coupled with some brisk winds that added to the danger.
Power Outages and Safety Alerts
Freezing temperatures and gusty winds raised alarms about possible power outages as ice-coated tree limbs began to snap under the weight. One resident from Marietta had an alarming experience when a tree crashed into her home, resulting in some serious ceiling damage while she was enjoying her favorite TV show. Talk about a winter surprise!
Fortunately, Georgia Power sprang into action, and by Friday evening, most areas in metro Atlanta had their lights back on, with reports indicating a 97% power restoration by 8 p.m. While Forsyth County’s Emergency Operations Center was closed as conditions improved, Cobb County was urging residents to avoid the icy roads and announced the closure of parks and libraries for safety.
A Snapshot of the Storm
The storm blessed North Georgia with snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 5 inches overall. The FOX 5 studios in Atlanta recorded about 3 inches, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport measured around 2.1 inches of snow. Ice accumulation in parts of metro Atlanta reached a quarter-inch, resulting in damage to trees and power lines. Add gusts of wind touching 25 mph into the mix, and you had quite the recipe for increased power outages!
With road temperatures hovering around freezing, hazardous driving conditions continued to pose a risk. Forecasters were quick to issue early warnings regarding the dangers of black ice on roads, sidewalks, and driveways, reminding folks to take extra precautions when out and about.
What’s Next for North Georgia?
As the weekend unfolds, the good news is that temperatures are expected to stay chilly in the mornings but balmy in the afternoons, providing some much-needed alleviation after the winter storm. However, Sunday morning will see temperatures dipping into the teens, so be sure to bundle up if you’re stepping outside!
Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible, especially during those early hours when ice is most likely to persist. Let’s keep safety at the forefront as North Georgia navigates through this winter wonderland. Be cautious and stay warm!
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: First Alert Weather Day
- FOX 5 Atlanta: Winter Storm Update
- Weather.com: Atlanta Weather
- 13WMAZ: Live Updates on Winter Weather
- Online Athens: Winter Storm Watch
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.
