Winter storm causes dangerous conditions in northern Georgia
On Friday, Atlanta and North Georgia was hit by winter weather, leaving snow, ice, and hazardous road conditions. As temperatures continue to drop overnight, freezing rain and refreezing roads are expected to create more dangers through the weekend.
Icy Roads and High Winds
Don't slip up if you are heading out early this morning! Black ice will definitely be a concern for morning drivers. We walked right out the door and found some in our parking lot! #gawx pic.twitter.com/HXqjAVB8QH
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) January 11, 2025
While the precipitation has mostly ended, icy roads and strong winds will remain a threat through Saturday. Areas that briefly went above freezing earlier in the day are especially at risk for icy conditions. The freezing temperatures and gusty winds may also cause power outages as ice-coated branches and trees fall.
A meteorologist explained, “Some areas are just below freezing, while others are slightly above. Winds are picking up, which could bring more trees and branches down under the weight of ice.”
MARTA Service Suspended
MARTA bus services were suspended on Saturday due to hazardous road conditions, but will resume when it is safe. Rail services are running on a weekend schedule, and mobility services are operating in emergency situations only.
Snowfall and Ice Accumulation
The storm brought between 1 to 5 inches of snow across North Georgia. Atlanta saw 3 inches at FOX 5 studios and 2.1 inches at Hartsfield-Jackson airport. Areas like Carrollton and Greene County received up to 4 inches of snow. Ice accumulation, with up to a quarter-inch of ice in parts of metro Atlanta, also caused problems, especially along I-85.
Black Ice and Refreezing
Temperatures are hovering around freezing, creating dangerous conditions on the roads. Even areas slightly above freezing are still hazardous, so drivers are advised to be cautious. The winds, gusting up to 25 mph, are expected to increase the risk of power outages on Saturday.
Colder Temperatures Expected Sunday
By Sunday morning, temperatures will dip into the teens, but should warm up to the 40s by the afternoon. This will bring some relief after the cold weather from the storm.
Safety Advice
Forecasters urge residents to stay off the roads if possible, as limited melting is expected. The combination of icy roads, high winds, and dropping temperatures makes this a dangerous situation. Stay safe and watch for further updates.