Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has instructed all relevant state agencies to prepare for the wintry storm system expected to enter the state later in the week.
That includes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
"As with any weather system that might impact Georgia communities, we are actively monitoring the approaching winter storm and taking action now to ensure our communities are prepared for any possible impact," Kemp said. "Along with state agency leaders, I'm urging Georgians to stay weather aware, especially as they make plans for the coming days. Please make necessary arrangements to keep your family safe and stay tuned for more information as this storm approaches."
The current forecast indicates a “significant winter weather event” is likely to occur across north and central Georgia on Friday.
A mix of sleet, snow, rain, and freezing rain will move into west Georgia early Friday morning and cover much of the north and central regions by sunrise.
That wintry weather will continue through the day into Friday night before diminishing Saturday morning.
The Governor’s office says that a few inches of snow and one-quarter inch of ice or more is possible across much of north Georgia on Friday.
There is currently a 34-percent chance of at least 0.1-inches of ice in Gainesville over the weekend and a 76-percent chance of at least one-inch of snow according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
GDOT will begin brining roads on Thursday, and residents are encouraged to avoid travel in the most impacted areas.
The office also gave residents tips on how to prepare for the conditions.
That includes using electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches, getting a carbon monoxide detector, getting backup heat sources, checking your vehicle, allowing pipes to drip or insulating them, keeping pets indoors, and checking on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors.
A full list can be found at https://gema.georgia.gov/winter.
