Augusta, GA
Winter Storm Watch Georgia. Augusta area now included in NWS watch
Millions across the US brace for life-threatening cold, snow
The National Weather Service is warning of life-threatening cold and snow affecting million with dangerous wind chills and travel delays.
Cold and potentially dangerous weather is moving further south and east in what the Weather Channel is calling Winter Storm Fern. As it does so, the National Weather Service is issuing more and more winter storm watches for various Georgia counties.
Where is the winter storm watch Georgia?
All of north and central Georgia is now under a winter storm watch, including Athens and Atlanta, and now much of the Augusta area has been issued a watch including Richmond, Columbia, Aiken, McDuffie, Warren, Glascock, and Jefferson counties.
When is the winter storm watch in Georgia?
The exact times for the watch depend on where in Georgia you live. For the Augusta area, it’s running from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon.
How bad is the winter storm going to be?
The Augusta-area watch says mixed precipitation likely. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. There’s a chance of rain and sleet Saturday afternoon, then freezing rain after 10 p.m. through Sunday. There’s little to no chance of snow at this time.
Snow is more possible in the areas of north and central areas of Georgia, along with even more ice, freezing rain, and sleet.
What is a winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch is issued when significant winter weather is possible, but not imminent, according to Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security. A watch is typically issued 12 to 48 hours before the possibility of winter weather.
What is the difference between a winter storm watch and a winter storm warning?
A winter storm warning is issued when a significant winter storm is more imminent and is a dangerous threat to life and property. These warnings are typically issued up to 36 hours before an event that has at least an 80% chance of significant winter precipitation.
Another term worth knowing is ‘winter weather advisory,’ which indicates that winter weather is imminent and may cause inconveniences, but isn’t extreme enough to warrant a ‘warning.’
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.