A dangerous winter storm is expected to impact north and central Georgia late tonight through early Sunday, bringing accumulating snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service Atlanta, a Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for much of north-central and northeast Georgia, including portions of the Atlanta metro area, while a Winter Weather Advisory covers parts of western and central Georgia.
Snow is expected to begin late Friday evening, first across far north Georgia and higher elevations as early as 6 p.m., with most locations seeing snow develop between 8 and 10 p.m. The snow shield will expand southward overnight, reaching the Interstate 20 corridor by early Saturday morning. The heaviest and most widespread snowfall is expected between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.
Forecast snowfall totals range from 2 to 6 inches in the warning area, with locally higher amounts possible where narrow, intense snow bands develop. Forecasters stress that accumulations may vary by several inches over just a few miles, particularly along and east of Interstate 75, where confidence is highest for heavier snow. Areas under advisory conditions may see up to 1 inch, but impacts could still be significant.
Strong winds with gusts up to 35 mph combined with very cold temperatures will create dangerous travel conditions, including rapidly deteriorating road surfaces. Travel impacts are expected to be immediate, especially along I-75, I-85, I-20, and I-985.
In addition to snow, dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are expected late Saturday into Sunday, with an Extreme Cold Warning in effect through Sunday morning in parts of the region.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, complete preparations before snow begins, and closely monitor official updates as conditions evolve.
