UPDATE: Clayton will open government offices at 10 a.m. Thursday, according to the county's website.

ORIGINAL STORY: Clayton County has shut down all government offices Wednesday except those for essential personnel as the metro area deals with snow and ice.

The county government’s decision follows the school district, which had suspended most operations late Tuesday as the weather became increasingly hazardous.

Ricky Clark, city manager for Jonesboro, the county’s seat, said most roads in the area have been or are being cleared, but that residents are encouraged to stay home if possible because of the hazardous conditions.

“We are asking all of our citizens to stay in because the roads are not safe to travel,” he said.

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A native of Columbus and a fine arts graduate of Clark Atlanta, Amy Sherald was chosen as the official portrait artist of former first lady Michelle Obama. On the same week that the portrait was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, it was also announced that Sherald was awarded the High Museum's 2018 David C. Driskell Prize. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Credit: Andrew Harnik