Snow and ice still pose problems across Georgia

ATLANTA - Temperatures are finally climbing above freezing in north Georgia, where up to 10 inches of snow continued to pose problems, while road conditions improved in metro Atlanta. Meanwhile, a northeast Georgia zoo is trying to protect its animals.

Atlanta-area motorists still faced treacherous commutes Friday but help was on the way: Temperatures rose above freezing Friday afternoon and are expected to reach the 40s on Saturday.

Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Lisa Janak-Newman said drivers should not be lulled into a false sense of security, since there are many icy areas, including patches on metro freeways and ramps.

``The issue is, will it melt fast enough and run off fast enough?'' said National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Garcia. ``If it doesn't run off fast enough, you'll see it freezing again after sunset.''

That could create more black ice, which can send cars and trucks spinning, he said.

Georgia Department of Transportation crews will be working on remaining icy spots on freeways, as well as secondary roads, Janak-Newman said. Georgia DOT has said it is costing up to $2 million a day to clean up state roads and highways.

While ice was the main problem in the Atlanta area, residents in far north Georgia were still digging out after nearly a foot of snow fell in higher elevations. Snowfall amounts of 8-10 inches were common in northern counties, the weather service said.

With that much snow, some north Georgians haven't been able to leave their homes because street-clearing efforts left piles of snow in their driveways.

There's a slight chance of freezing rain for much of north Georgia on Sunday night and Monday, Garcia said.

In Cleveland, owners of the North Georgia Zoo have been working to protect their animals from the bitterly cold weather, snow and ice.

``The biggest thing is making sure the electricity doesn't go out, making sure snow is not caving in enclosures,'' zoo co-owner Hope Bennett said. She said animals must be watched for such signs as shivering and lethargy.

Georgia DOT has said it is costing up to $2 million a day to clean up state roads and highways.