WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Wintry mix could follow Saturday’s rain
ATLANTA FORECAST
Saturday: High: 43
Saturday night: Low: 34
Sunday: High: 37
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
More than half an inch of rain has fallen in metro Atlanta on Saturday, and frozen precipitation could follow before the weekend is over.
But it’s still about the wet stuff for the afternoon and evening, according to Channel 2 Action News.
“Major threat? It’s the heavy rain,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said.
By early Sunday, freezing rain and sleet could be on the ground in the northeastern suburbs, according to Monahan.
BY TOMORROW MORNING: The threat for a mix of some freezing rain and sleet will move down into the northeast metro -- including areas of rain farther south.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) December 8, 2018
I'm updating the snow forecast for the far northeast Georgia mountains as well -- live now on Ch 2. pic.twitter.com/i0dX2S6SFh
Parts of North Fulton, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties could get the frozen stuff.
“There could be some slick travel,” Monahan said.
"It's one of those weekends where we will feel every type of weather.”
Look for the wintry mix to begin falling about 5 p.m. Saturday in the mountainous northeastern Georgia counties.
All eyes will be on Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Atlanta United takes on the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer’s championship game. Unfortunately, there is a strong chance of rain around the 8 p.m. game time.
All we do is shine ✨ #UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/MQhjYEdKg2
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 7, 2018
Since the stadium is covered, the nasty weather outside won’t affect the game, but tailgaters and drivers should plan accordingly.
RELATED: Cold rain to inundate Atlanta during MLS Cup prime tailgating hours
Get ready for a weekend of cold rain, on top of everything else. We could have 3-4" falling in metro Atlanta. #StormWatchOn2 pic.twitter.com/RMFHade4go
— Glenn Burns (@GlennBurnsWSB) December 7, 2018
Those along I-20 and the Southside could get 2 to 3 inches of rainfall. North of I-20 isn’t too much better, with 1 to 2 inches expected.
In preparation, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for all of North and Middle Georgia from Saturday morning until Sunday night. Some counties farther north are under winter storm watches.
FREEZING RAIN POTENTIAL: You can see the area of pink down to the northern suburbs of Atlanta -- there will be spotty locations with freezing rain on bridges/overpasses there as colder air moves in.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) December 8, 2018
More significant ice potential is into NE GA valleys. pic.twitter.com/v5NcddWb4i
In addition, a winter storm watch will be in effect Saturday night until 1 a.m. Monday for 15 North Georgia counties, including Gwinnett, Forsyth, Hall, Barrow and Clarke, according to the National Weather Service.
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Habersham and Rabun counties will also be under a winter storm watch, according to the Weather Service. On Sunday morning, a third winter storm watch will go into effect for Lumpkin, Towns, Union and White counties from 1 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday.
MORE: Flood, winter storm watches issued for parts of North Georgia
The 1-4" snowfall totals in NE Georgia will accumlate at the highest elevations. Rabun County could see 6-12" however. pic.twitter.com/RpLs9NG7hP
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) December 7, 2018
The Georgia Department of Transportation has brine — the anti-icing salt solution crews spray on roads before sleet, freezing rain or snow comes through — ready to go to treat roads.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.
About the Authors
Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives.
