State, local governments closing early ahead of Monday’s game

State and local government employees in metro Atlanta will head home early on Monday ahead of the national college football championship game between Georgia and Alabama at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Gov. Nathan Deal announced Thursday.

Atlanta employees are asked to go home at 2:30 p.m., with Fulton County and state government employees ending their day at 3 p.m. — if they come in at all.

“Agencies are also encouraged to allow employees with the ability to telecommute to do so,” according to a press release from Deal’s office.

The release does not mention Monday’s game, which is set to kick off at 8 p.m., and says the decision was made “in light of several factors.” President Trump is scheduled to attend the game.

Deal's office said it will continue monitoring the weather and send updated guidance if needed. WSB-TV's weather forecast has Monday's temperatures climbing to 48 degrees with an 80 percent chance of rain.

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