North and Central Georgia – A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday evening through Sunday morning across portions of north-central, northeast, and east-central Georgia, with snow, gusty winds, and hazardous travel conditions possible.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, snow accumulations up to 2 inches are possible across the watch area. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph, which may worsen travel conditions and contribute to dangerously cold wind chills.
Counties included in the watch span from the north Georgia mountains into the Georgia Piedmont, including Union, Towns, Lumpkin, White, Hall, Banks, Jackson, Madison, Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Greene, Taliaferro, Hancock, Warren, Washington, Glascock, and Jefferson. Cities potentially impacted include Athens, Gainesville, Dahlonega, Blairsville, Commerce, Washington, Greensboro, Sandersville, and Louisville.
While snowfall amounts are expected to remain relatively light compared to areas farther north, forecasters caution that slippery road conditions are likely, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads. Even small accumulations could create travel issues during the weekend.
In addition to snow, the National Weather Service warns of dangerously cold wind chills. Wind chill values are forecast to range from 5 degrees below zero to the lower teens above zero on Saturday, then fall further to 10 degrees below zero to single digits above zero Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates, limit travel if possible, and prepare for cold-weather safety concerns, including exposure risks and icy road conditions.
