Historic Winter Storm Threatens Widespread Disruptions Across North Georgia
A high-impact winter storm is poised to bring significant ice and snow accumulation to North Georgia this weekend, raising concerns about widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. The FOX 5 Storm Team has issued Winter Storm Alert Days for Saturday and Sunday – the earliest such alert in two years – urging residents to prepare for a “long duration event” potentially lasting through Monday.
What to Expect: A Multi-Day Wintry Blast
A major winter storm system is currently tracking toward the region, with the National Weather Service anticipating impactful wintry weather beginning Saturday and continuing through Sunday. While the precise path and intensity remain uncertain, forecasters predict a dangerous combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow.
Ice Accumulation: The Primary Concern
According to FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley, the primary threat to the metro Atlanta area is the potential for substantial ice accumulation. “The main concern with this winter weather deal is the ice accumulation for our region,” Chandley warned. “It’s the ice that really has me concerned.”
Chandley emphasized the destructive potential of even a moderate ice buildup. “We’re talking about over a half inch of ice in most areas,” he stated, explaining that this level of accumulation is sufficient to bring down trees and power lines, leading to widespread outages. While rain is expected to return late Wednesday into Thursday, the weekend represents the “main event.”
Timeline of Wintry Precipitation
The storm is expected to unfold as follows:
- Wednesday – Friday: Scattered rain showers are anticipated, with temperatures remaining above freezing.
- Saturday Morning: The transition to freezing rain will begin as temperatures plummet.
- Saturday Night – Sunday: Freezing rain and sleet are likely to persist throughout the day.
- Monday Morning: Precipitation may transition to snow before tapering off later in the day.
Regional Variations in Precipitation Type
The impact of the storm will vary significantly across the region. Far North Georgia is expected to receive primarily snow, while the majority of the area, including metro Atlanta, will experience a “wintry mix” of freezing rain and sleet. Temperatures are forecast to remain below 32 degrees Fahrenheit from Saturday through Monday afternoon.
Potential Impacts and Preparedness
This storm is classified as a “potentially high impact event” with the risk of moderate to major disruptions. Residents should prepare for the following:
- Power Outages: Heavy ice accumulation on trees and power lines is highly likely to cause widespread outages.
- Downed Trees: A half-inch of ice is often enough to cause significant tree damage.
- Dangerous Travel: Road conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly throughout the weekend, making travel hazardous.
By the Numbers: Forecast Details
Here’s a detailed look at the forecast for both metro Atlanta and North Georgia:
Metro Atlanta Forecast
- Wednesday: High 53°F / Low 40°F (30% chance of precipitation)
- Thursday: High 53°F / Low 44°F (60% chance of precipitation)
- Friday: High 53°F / Low 35°F (60% chance of precipitation)
- Saturday: High 43°F / Low 27°F (100% chance of precipitation; rain turning to sleet/ice)
- Sunday: High 34°F / Low 20°F (60% chance of precipitation; freezing rain)
- Monday: High 34°F / Low 13°F
North Georgia Forecast
- Wednesday: High 49°F / Low 34°F (50% chance of precipitation)
- Thursday: High 51°F / Low 37°F (60% chance of precipitation)
- Friday: High 46°F / Low 29°F (60% chance of precipitation; rain/snow mix)
- Saturday: High 36°F / Low 26°F (100% chance of precipitation; snow/ice mix)
- Sunday: High 32°F / Low 14°F (60% chance of precipitation; freezing rain/snow)
- Monday: High 29°F / Low 5°F
Storm Alert and Staying Informed
The FOX 5 Storm Team has declared Saturday and Sunday as Winter Storm Alert Days, a designation reserved for significant weather events. “They’re not something we just throw around,” explained FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Alex Forbes. “It takes a meaningful, big event to issue them.” Forbes added that this storm “has the potential to be something that most people in this city have not seen before,” urging residents to prepare for potentially prolonged power outages and to plan to remain sheltered wherever they are by Friday night.
Residents are encouraged to stay ahead of the latest forecast by downloading the free FOX 5 Storm Team app and following @FOX5STORMTEAM on X, formerly Twitter. For continuous, in-depth coverage, stream FOX LOCAL on your smart TV.
This article contains an original forecast by the FOX 5 Storm Team, with contributions from the National Weather Service. The information has been updated to ensure accuracy.
