Snow expected across much of metro Atlanta early Tuesday

For the third time in a week, frozen precipitation is in the forecast for metro Atlanta. But it’s not what you think.

It’s not expected to be another ice storm that leaves thousands in the dark due to downed trees and power lines, according to forecasters. Instead, think snow.

But late Monday, it was still clear across the metro area, and the major school systems held off on making a decision on Tuesday classes. Road crews were out late Monday preparing interstates.

In the northeast corner of the state, where accumulations up to 3 inches are possible, a winter storm warning started at 9 p.m. and runs through 3 p.m. Tuesday. A winter storm advisory took effect in metro Atlanta starting at 9 p.m. Monday and continuing through 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The National Weather Service said snow accumulations will range from a dusting to less than 1 inch.

“These systems are not similar at all as compared to what we saw last week when we had the icing concerns,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brad Nitz said Monday afternoon. “This is more of a snow and a melting snow or a rain/snow mix setup that we have the potential for overnight tonight and into tomorrow morning.”

Nitz said the overnight snow could start in the northeast corner of the state as early as midnight.

“Things are going to get very interesting after midnight,” Nitz said. “About 2 a.m., that’s the first opportunity for seeing a little wintry mix in metro Atlanta, but the temperature will be well above freezing, so it would be snow falling and melting. It shouldn’t cause any problems at 2 a.m.”

By 3 a.m, “I expect light snow to expand and spread down into the northern metro,” Nitz said. “Still, looking at temperatures above freezing.”

Despite temperatures expected to bottom out just above or at the freezing mark, “Widespread light snow and melting snow certainly could cause big problems for the morning commute, and it continues until 8 a.m.,” Nitz said, adding that the snow should taper off between 9 and 10 a.m.

“By tomorrow afternoon, we get well above freezing into the mid-40s, so anything that does fall tomorrow morning likely won’t stick around for long,” he said.

Nitz said temperatures should drop into the low 30s early Tuesday.

The forecast prompted Gov. Nathan Deal to order a two-hour delayed opening Tuesday morning for state offices in Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, Lumpkin, Murray, Pickens, Towns, Union and White counties. Additional counties could be added as the storm moves into the state.