Atlanta, GA – Residents across north Georgia, western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina are facing dangerous winter conditions Sunday as an Ice Storm Warning remains in effect through Monday morning or early afternoon, bringing hazardous travel and the risk of widespread power outages.
According to the National Weather Service, significant icing is expected across the region, with ice accumulations ranging from one-tenth to one-half inch, combined with wind gusts between 35 and 55 mph. The combination of ice and wind is likely to snap tree limbs and power lines, potentially causing long-lasting power outages.
The warning covers much of north and northeast Georgia, including the Atlanta metro, as well as the North Carolina mountains, foothills, Piedmont, and Upstate South Carolina. Cities potentially impacted include Atlanta, Gainesville, Blue Ridge, Asheville, Greenville, Spartanburg, Charlotte, Hickory, and Anderson, among dozens of surrounding communities.
Forecasters say road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly Sunday evening, with bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads becoming slick or impassable. Officials warn that Monday morning’s commute could be severely impacted, particularly in elevated and rural areas.
In mountainous regions of western North Carolina, snow and sleet combined with ice may further weigh down trees and power infrastructure. The NWS notes that precipitation rates are expected to increase, prolonging hazardous conditions into at least Monday.
Emergency officials strongly discourage travel unless absolutely necessary. Drivers who must be on the roads are urged to carry emergency supplies, including flashlights, food, water, and fully charged phones.
Residents are also reminded not to touch downed power lines and to report outages directly to their utility providers. Road conditions can be checked by dialing 511 in most states.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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