Forecasts of above-average precipitation could mean a tough winter for north Georgia. But Gwinnett County officials say they’re prepared for bad weather as Old Man Winter arrives or his annual stay.
On Tuesday Gwinnett Emergency Management Director Greg Swanson told commissioners this year’s powerful El Nino weather pattern could mean a tough winter for north Georgia. The National Weather Service says there’s a good chance north Georgia will see more precipitation than normal from January to March, and temperatures are projected to be around normal – which means plenty of days with temperatures below freezing.
Swanson cited previous weather events during strong El Nino years, including a 1972 ice storm that crippled Atlanta and a 1982 winter that saw 10.3 inches of snow.
“I do believe it’s probably our year to have some winter weather precipitation,” he said.
Swanson briefed county commissioners on Gwinnett’s preparations for winter weather. Among them:
*Gwinnett now participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s wireless emergency alert program, which allows residents to receive emergency information on their cell phones.
*The county has established special teams of employees to keep roads clear near police and fire stations, hospitals and other critical facilities. That will free up regular Department of Transportation crews to concentrate on other roads.
*The county hosts special phone conferences among county, city, school and other local officials to discuss preparations as bad weather approaches. County Administrator Glenn Stephens said the conferences include officials from across the county.
“Just because one part of the county is passable, another may not be,” Stephens said. “That’s why it’s important to coordinate.”
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