TRAFFIC-WEATHER UPDATE: Temps to plummet overnight, but black ice should be ‘few and far between’

ATLANTA FORECAST

Tuesday: High: 30s

Tuesday night: Low: 39

Wednesday: High: 22

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

Traffic is mostly moving without issue Tuesday afternoon, and the threat of black ice seems to be slowly melting away for Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, despite temperatures preparing to plummet into the low 20s overnight.

There is a slow area or two, but weather isn't a factor in the delays, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

In DeKalb County, a left lane of I-285 East near Bouldercrest Road is blocked by a crash, causing minor delays, according to the Traffic Center. But that’s about it, which is rare for what is usually evening commute time.

It helps that many metro Atlanta schools, government offices and some roads were closed Tuesday because of the winter weather threat.

MORE: Some metro Atlanta express lanes to close ahead of winter weather

While Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz anticipates the most significant travel impacts for far North Georgia, he still said there’s a risk of black ice overnight, but that risk is lessening. He said patches of ice should be “few and far between” if roads remain as dry as they are now.

As the arctic air moves in and temperatures drop, any lingering moisture on the roads has the potential to freeze and create patches of ice. The Georgia Department of Transportation warned motorists to be careful overnight and Wednesday morning.

MORE: Georgia drivers catch a break, but state warns of black ice Wednesday morning

Temperatures are now down into the 30s across metro Atlanta, and the wind chill makes it feels like it’s 28 degrees. It’s below freezing in the mountains without the wind chill.

By Wednesday, North Georgia could be waking up to temps in the teens and low 20s, Nitz said.

Winter weather advisories in effect for far North Georgia and all of metro Atlanta were allowed to expire early. Just Rabun and Habersham counties are still under an advisory.

MORE: WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Advisory canceled for metro Atlanta

Earlier Tuesday, there were some reports of a rain/sleet mix in Cherokee County and a few flurries spotted in northern Cobb County. Only a dusting of snow fell in Atlanta, if any at all.

“The bottom line is: Very little additional snow here over the next few hours,” Nitz said earlier. “We are going to quickly change our focus to two things: how quickly the pavement dries this afternoon and this evening, and how quickly those road surface temperatures drop down below freezing as this cold air rushes in.”

Winds are expected to pick up as the arctic front moves through. Metro Atlanta could see wind speeds of 10 to 20 mph, with higher gusts up to 30 mph possible, Monahan said.

» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.