North Georgia braces for deep freeze, slick spots

With a very cold weather pattern expected to settle in across Northeast Georgia Monday night and continue through next weekend, local officials are urging residents to get prepared.

White County Deputy Emergency Management Agency Director Don Strength said Social Media and News Channels are buzzing with snow and rumors of snow, and there could be some frozen precipitation across White County and neighboring areas, but Strength says at this time, it doesn’t appear to be a major deal.

According to Strength, the much bigger issue will be the cold temps.

The expected high Tuesday will be 38 degrees, with a Tuesday night low of 19 degrees. Wednesday’s high will be 39, with an overnight low of 14 degrees.

Wind Chill factors will hit zero Wednesday night with 20 mph wind gusts possible.

According to Strength, Hypothermia and frostbite will be an issue if exposed to the elements for long periods of time.

Another Artic Blast will roll in Friday, reinforcing the cold air already in place with a wind chill factor below minus zero again Saturday morning.

Strength noted that the best window of opportunity for rain, freezing rain, sleet, and or snow will come between 6 p.m. Monday through 6 a.m. Tuesday. The highest probability is around 2 a.m. Tuesday morning at 40%.

The long-range forecast calls for another opportunity for frozen precipitation Thursday night into Friday morning, with temps in the mid-teens by Saturday morning and again Sunday.

Measurable snow and ice not expected at lower elevations

Measurable snow and ice are NOT expected across White County at this time, with the exception of the highest elevations.

A few slick spots on bridges and roads less traveled, especially in shaded areas, are possible countywide.

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy advises that the Georgia Department of Transportation has been brining state routes as far south as Gainesville.

There is increasing confidence that a wintry mix will continue across portions of North Georgia Monday into Tuesday.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Dade, Walker, and Catoosa Counties from 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15 to 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16. Snow accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are forecasted in those areas.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect across other areas of North Georgia during the same timeframe. Snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of a light glaze are forecasted.

This advisory does not cover White County or other areas of Northeast Georgia at the present time.

Forecasts are always subject to change; please keep in mind that an unpredicted shift of the low-pressure track could drastically change the local forecast.

Check WRWH.com and NowHabersham.com for Northeast Georgia weather updates.