Several inches of snow and ice could pelt metro Atlanta and North Georgia starting Friday, prompting a winter storm watch.
The watch, issued by the National Weather Service, will be in effect from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.
North Georgia could get up to 6 inches of snow during that time, the Weather Service predicts. In higher elevations, even more snow could fall.
Closer to the city, areas north of I-20 could see between 2 and 3 inches of snowfall, Monahan said, while those to the south are expected to get more of a wintry mix of snow and freezing rain with significant ice accumulations.
While meteorologists are still monitoring forecast models for the exact timing of the snow’s arrival, Channel 2 Action News chief meteorologist Brad Nitz said ice and snow are expected to arrive in parts of west Georgia around daybreak Friday.
The storm will then quickly move east, bringing mainly snow to parts of metro Atlanta and North Georgia between 9 a.m. and noon, he said.
By then, any snowfall should switch over to freezing rain, which will compact the snow and create icy conditions and hazardous roads, according to Nitz. About a quarter of an inch of ice is projected in most parts of metro Atlanta.
Here’s everything we know about the approaching storm.
Current forecast and preparations
The timing of the snow’s arrival is still fluctuating, but state and local governments are already preparing roads.
» Local governments say they have learned from “snowpocalypse”
» ‘Significant’ snow accumulation possible in North Ga; plan on hazardous roads
» Winter storm watch extended, snow expected in metro Atlanta later this week
School closures
School districts are considering cancellations or having a digital learning day later this week.
» Georgia schools monitoring forecast for possible closings
Travel impacts
Airlines are warning that travel to, from or through Atlanta and other Southeastern cities may be disrupted, and Delta Air Lines issued a waiver allowing travelers more flexibility to change their flight bookings.
» Airlines warn winter storm could disrupt Atlanta flights on Friday
Event cancellations
The storm has prompted the closure of several buildings and events in the metro area, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
» Atlanta Botanical Garden among closures and canceled events due to expected winter storm
And most of this weekend’s 61 boys and girls area and region wrestling tournaments will be held a day or two earlier.
» GHSA gives weather guidance on region wrestling
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