Wet roads, falling temperatures and a blast of arctic air could create the conditions for hazardous travel Tuesday morning in North Georgia.
Patches of black ice could form on any pavement still wet from Monday’s heavy rainstorms, according to Channel 2 Action News. State offices, several school districts and COVID-19 vaccination sites are operating on delays Tuesday.
Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said this morning is a good one to spend a little extra time inside.
“It’s just really cold out there this morning, and we’re watching out for some of that patchy ice,” he said. “So far so good in most spots, but we’ll keep a close eye on things between now and sunrise.”
We'll keep a close eye on things as temps/pavement temps drop a bit more, but looks like gusty wind and the lag time between the end of the heavier rain yesterday + sub-freezing today really helped us out.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) February 16, 2021
Very few reports of incidents/ice on the roads so far. @wsbtv
Temperatures are in the low 30s in Atlanta and continue to fall Tuesday morning. Even with plenty of sunshine in the forecast, Monahan said things won’t warm up much.
A high of 37 degrees is projected for the city.
“Plan for chilly weather all day long with a mostly sunny sky in the forecast,” Monahan said. “The clouds build a little later today.”
Pavement along I-75 in Bartow is dropping toward freezing -- but cameras showing pretty dry pavement at this point.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) February 16, 2021
We'll hope it stays that way! pic.twitter.com/TBHnbDLPFq
With breezy conditions, it will feel even colder. Wind chills in the teens and 20s are expected throughout the day, according to Channel 2.
“The wind, I think, was our friend this morning,” Monahan said. “That gusty wind helping to dry the pavement out in a lot of spots, but still over the next couple of hours watch out for the possibility of patchy ice, especially on bridges and overpasses.”
Arctic air moving into North Georgia is also creating conditions for a few light flurries as it wrings out any remaining moisture. Snow showers have been reported in Gwinnett, Paulding and Carroll counties Tuesday morning.
Ringing out the last bit of moisture from the arctic airmass moving in -- this is in Gwinnett County! @wsbtv https://t.co/D1EGIunUgU
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) February 16, 2021
Pavement temperatures have remained above freezing for most of metro Atlanta. Because of the concern for slippery travel Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp has delayed the opening of state offices by two hours.
Road pavement temps will lag air temperatures dropping...
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) February 16, 2021
Remember, bridges and overpasses will be colder because they have the cold air flowing both above and below them... https://t.co/Au49VBWoFU
Multiple school districts are also delaying their starts, including Atlanta Public Schools and systems in Towns, Union, Forsyth and Habersham counties. Several others have moved to remote learning, including Fulton and Gwinnett counties.
Cobb County has closed its vaccination site at Jim R. Miller Park, and all DeKalb County Board of Health locations will delay opening until 11 a.m. Fannin and Gilmer County vaccination sites will also delay opening, according to Channel 2.
Once the sun comes up, the threat of black ice diminishes. Monahan said temperatures should bounce back to the 50s Wednesday ahead of North Georgia’s next wet weather system.
Winter mix in the mountains is not out of the question as rain arrives late Wednesday night, he said.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Only a few icy patches have been reported Tuesday morning in metro Atlanta, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. The latest was reported on the ramp from I-20 West to Ga. 113 in Carroll County.
All westbound lanes were temporarily shut down while Georgia Department of Transportation crews treated the pavement. The lanes were back open by 6:15 a.m., but the Traffic Center is still urging drivers to take their time.
Better News! The Black Ice has been treated on I-20/wb at SR-113 (exit 19) All lanes are back open, but still take your time through Carroll County this morning #ATLtraffic pic.twitter.com/81Sz7G60tb
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) February 16, 2021
“Expect ice in the usual spots as you leave your neighborhood, but it’s going to be patchy, not widespread,” traffic reporter Mark Arum said.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
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