Latest cold snap bringing snow, too

• Our news partner at Channel 2 Action News will track the storm in Severe Weather Team 2

A winter storm expected to roll through the region today could unleash several inches of snow and ice. Most of metro Atlanta will be under a winter storm watch from 10 a.m. today through 1 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. Around an inch of snow is projected for most of metro Atlanta, with higher totals south of the city.

Schools

Most metro Atlanta schools hadn’t made a decision about whether to cancel Tuesday classes as of press time. Fulton, Fayette and Clayton county school districts called off after school care and extracurricular activities. Watch Channel 2 Action News or check ajc.com for the latest updates on school closures.

Roads

Bridges and overpasses will be the most prone to icing, but roads in many places could be coated as well.

The Georgia Department of Transportation, which has responsibility for interstate and many major arteries, said workers will start pre-treating roads around noon Tuesday. The city of Atlanta has 30 sand/gravel spreaders and 40 snow plows ready to be mobilized.

Best advice to drivers: Slow down when driving on slick roads (the posted speed limit is for driving on dry pavement), and keep three seconds or more between you and the vehicle in front of you. Apply brakes gentler and allow yourself more time to stop.

Marta

Frigid temperatures caused problems for MARTA service during a deep freeze on Jan. 7. Several trains broke down and had to be replaced, while others were slowed to maintain safety. Some buses also suffered mechanical problems.

MARTA spokesman Lyle Harris said no service changes were planned for Tuesday. Some trains were to be kept running overnight Tuesday to help prevent the rails from freezing over.

Check MARTA's website, www.itsmarta.com, or its 'On the Go' app for updates.

Pets

It’s best to keep all pets indoors during freezing temperatures.

Dogs that live outdoors should have a doghouse that’s elevated a few inches and has cedar shavings, straw or a blanket to trap body heat. Pets that spend time outdoors need more food because cold weather saps energy.

Cats will curl up against almost anything to stay warm, including car engines. Before you turn your engine on, check beneath the car or make plenty of noise by honking the horn.

Consider dog sweaters during walks. When outside with your pets, watch them for signs of discomfort. If they whine, shiver, seem anxious, slow down or stop moving, or look for warm places to burrow, they’re saying they want to get back someplace warm.

Home

Frozen pipes can lead to a big mess. Here are a few tips and websites for guidance on avoiding weather-related disasters at home:

Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight, preferably through a faucet on an outside wall.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets so warmer air can circulate below the sinks.

Know the locations of your shut-off valves, in case a pipe bursts.

For more tips, check: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm/preventing-thawing-frozen-pipes

Airport

If you plan to fly out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, be sure to check airline websites or phone lines for flight status before you head out. You can log on to www.fly.faa.gov for airport conditions, and to delta.com or southwest.com for flight checks at Atlanta's two biggest carriers.

Delta said it will allow travelers flying into, out of or through Georgia and several other southern states today or Wednesday to change their itineraries without charge.

Utilities

Utility providers are closely monitoring weather conditions and have a variety of contingency plans to address pipe bursts and ice forming on tree limbs and power lines, which can cause damage and outages.

Customers should contact their local provider to report any outages and obtain storm updates.