The chances of snow, sleet and freezing rain in metro Atlanta are fading rapidly as temperatures rise, but some mountain counties where the air has stayed cold may still see the wintry mix.
“The potential for wintry mix is really winding down quickly across north Georgia,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “Overall, that potential is really starting to wind down.”
But Monahan said from Dahlonega to Cleveland, the possibility of freezing precipitation remains. There, pockets of colder air mean sleet is still a possibility, even as the precipitation is largely transitioning to rain.
By Saturday afternoon, expect rain and maybe even thunder, Channel 2 Action News Meteorologist Brad Nitz said. Temperatures will climb into the lower 50s — a big warm-up from the work week.
The Red Cross, which had opened emergency shelters, will transition to providing emergency assistance on a case-by-case basis. Shelters at the Freedom Tabernacle Church in Cumming, the First Baptist Church in Gainesville and the Gilmer County Middle School gym in Ellijay will all close by 1 p.m.
A Winter Weather Advisory was in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday in metro Atlanta along the I-20 corridor. Some icy patches remained throughout the region. Channel 2 Action News reported that the Alpharetta city government warned residents of possible icy conditions near Windward Parkway/North Point Parkway eastbound to McGinnis Ferry/Douglas Road/South Lake areas. Ice was reported on the roadway and drivers were warned to avoid the area until crews could treat the roadways.
An early morning vehicle fire occurred on I-75 south of Tara Blvd exit 235. Lanes were temporarily blocked due to ice from the fire fighting effort. The scene has since been cleared.
Thick ice caused several accidents on I-75 north near Ringgold in Catoosa County. The interstate was shut down as crews worked to clear the crashes.
A winter storm warning — meaning significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected — is in effect through 1 p.m. for north Georgia counties. Between 1 to 3 inches of snow and up to a .25 inch of ice is in the forecast for north Georgia.
On Friday night, many roads in Forsyth and Cherokee counties were iced over. Patches of ice were spotted in Acworth.
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